Arla Foods, the Danish dairy giant, has taken a significant step towards boosting sustainable milk production in Nigeria with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art dairy farm in Kaduna. This groundbreaking project, costing over US$10 million, marks the first of its kind in the country and represents a remarkable investment by Arla Foods in Nigeria’s dairy sector.
The grand inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who hailed the newly commissioned dairy farm as a game-changer and a remarkable milestone for the dairy industry in Nigeria. He commended Arla Foods for their faith and confidence in Nigeria and the Kaduna State Government.
Arla Foods, renowned for its popular milk brand Dano Milk in Nigeria, aims to make its farm a shining example of sustainable milk production. Designed with a focus on optimal animal welfare and productivity, the farm covers an expansive 400 hectares of land and has the capacity to house 400 milking cows and a total of 1000 animals.
Peder Pedersen, the Managing Director of Arla Nigeria, shared that the farm is currently home to 216 Danish Holstein cows, which recently arrived and are adapting well to their new environment. The Holstein breed, known for its high milk yield per cow compared to local breeds, is expected to produce 5 million kilograms of milk per year at full capacity.
Pedersen further explained that the farm, with an investment cost exceeding €10 million, will not only serve as a milk production hub but also as a center for sharing dairy farming knowledge and expertise.
Mrs. Anna Månsson, the Head of Arla Foods West Africa, highlighted the positive impact the farm would have on employment opportunities. Over 40 individuals would be directly employed at the farm, providing a means of livelihood for Nigerians, particularly those in the Damau community of Kaduna State.
Månsson emphasized that the farm aims to produce 1.6 million kilograms of milk in 2024, with a target of 4 million kilograms of milk annually. The farm boasts state-of-the-art technology that ensures the comfort of the animals and plays a vital role in generating high-yielding milking cows.
In his welcome address, Simon Stevens, the Executive Vice President of Arla Foods International, expressed his elation at the completion of the farm, viewing it as a tremendous achievement for Arla Foods in Nigeria and globally. Stevens emphasized the importance of solid partnerships and the immense potential that Nigeria offers.
“This achievement symbolizes the massive potential we see in Nigeria and the exciting journey this country is on,” Stevens remarked.
The inauguration of Arla Foods’ state-of-the-art dairy farm in Kaduna represents a significant boost to Nigeria’s dairy sector, fostering sustainable milk production and providing employment opportunities. With its cutting-edge technology and Danish expertise, the farm sets the stage for increased milk production and knowledge sharing, marking a transformative development in the Nigerian dairy industry.
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