The Federal Government has trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Oyo State as part of efforts to improve local milk production and strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The three-day training programme, held in Ibadan, focused on practical dairy farming methods, animal husbandry, milk processing, hygiene standards, and sustainable feed management aimed at improving productivity among rural dairy farmers.
Speaking during the programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, said the training was important for building the capacity of grassroots farmers and supporting the Federal Government’s push for self-sufficiency in dairy production.
According to him, empowering smallholder farmers remains critical to developing a sustainable dairy value chain that can support rural communities and contribute to national economic growth.
He said the Federal Government is committed to unlocking the economic potential of the livestock industry through targeted policies, strategic partnerships, and programmes designed to improve production across the sector.
Ajimobi also urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training and help transfer modern dairy farming practices to others within their communities.
The Oyo State Coordinator of the Ministry, Florence Kalulu, said smallholder dairy farmers play an important role in Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem but continue to face several challenges affecting productivity.
She identified poor animal health management, low milk yield, weak hygiene practices, and limited access to modern dairy techniques as some of the major problems affecting the sector.
Kalulu explained that the initiative aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which seeks to improve livestock productivity, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products, and strengthen food and nutrition security.
The President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, commended the Federal Government for increasing attention on the dairy industry and called for stronger support for women involved in dairy production.
She said supporting small-scale dairy farmers, especially women, could significantly increase milk output and improve economic opportunities for households involved in livestock farming.
One of the participants, Moyosore Olatunde, expressed optimism about the future of dairy farming in Nigeria and called for more youth involvement in the sector.
He noted that proper government support and training could attract younger Nigerians into dairy production and encourage innovation across the industry.
The training featured classroom sessions, practical demonstrations, and interactive discussions on improved pasture development, breed improvement, herd health management, feeding practices for milking cows, and milk handling.
Participants also received heifers, animal feed, and salt licks to help improve dairy operations after the training.
