Kaduna sees Arla Foods’ investment boosting dairy sector

The Kaduna government has welcomed Arla Foods Nigeria’s steady investment in the state, saying it will contribute to sustainable development and improvement of milk and dairy production in Nigeria.

The state gave the commendation during the visit of officials of government to Arla Farm on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Damau, Kaduna State.

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While welcoming the guests, Peder Pedersen managing director, Arla Foods Nigeria, described the visit of the Kaduna State delegation as a validation of its support and commitment towards the success of the project noting that the company is committed to leading the way on sustainable dairy farming and contributing to the development of the local dairy industry.

Pedersen stated that the company was quite optimistic that Nigeria could attain self-sufficiency in milk production provided the right investments and partnerships are made.

Speaking during the tour of the facility at the farm, Snorri Sigurdsson, senior manager, raw milk supply and production, said the company was committed to making Kaduna State the number one destination for dairy milk production in Nigeria.

Also speaking Murtala Dabo, the commissioner for agriculture, Kaduna State, said he was impressed with the progress recorded at the Arla Farm, stating that the facility available at the farm was a representation of livestock production at its peak.

Dabo said with the kind of improved dairy farming practices and technology introduced on the farm as well as plans for knowledge transfer to local farmers, milk production would be scaled up thereby helping Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency.

He stated that with the eventual take-off of the Damau Household Milk Farm project within the axis, Kaduna state would soon become a hub for milk production in Nigeria.

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Tamar Nandul, managing director, Kaduna Markets Development And Management Company, noted that the state government was satisfied with the partnership as well as Arla’s commitment toward the realisation of the project.