Arla Foods delivers on its commitment to supporting local dairy development in Nigeria with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art farm

…Targeting an annual milk production of 4 million kg

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Arla Foods, maker of Dano Milk, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art dairy farm in Kaduna as part of the company’s efforts to ensure sustainable dairy production in Nigeria. The farm located in Damau Village, Kubau Local Government Area, Kaduna State was inaugurated on Thursday, May 25, 2023 by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Governor El-Rufai described the newly commissioned dairy farm as a milestone and a game-changer for the dairy sector in Nigeria. He congratulated Arla Foods management for have faith and trust in Nigeria and the government of Kaduna State.

Governor El-Rufai explained that the Arla Dairy Farm is another testament to the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to working with private organizations and providing an enabling environment for businesses to set up and operate. thrive in the state. He urged the state’s new governor, Senator Sani Uba, to continue supporting Arla and other businesses by investing in the state for economic prosperity.

The Arla Farm – a state-of-the-art Danish-designed dairy farm – is the first of its kind in Nigeria and with it, Arla is creating the future of dairy farming in Nigeria. Designed to ensure optimal animal welfare and productivity, the farm will be a showcase for sustainable dairy production in Nigeria. It covers 400 Ha of land, with a capacity of 400 dairy cows and 1000 animals in total. Currently, the farm is home to 216 Danish Holstein cows, which arrived in May 2023 and have settled well into their new environment.

In his welcome address, Executive Vice President of Arla Foods International, Simon Stevens, described the completion of the farm as a major achievement for Arla Foods in its journey in Nigeria and around the world, noting that this success illustrates the importance of a strong partnership and the vast potential available in Nigeria. He revealed that the project was designed in line with the desire to achieve a number of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goals 2, 8, 12 and 17.

“This milestone symbolizes what can be achieved with strong partnerships. We can see how the contribution of the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, NGOs, the farming community and many more have contributed to the realization of a great project. I am happy that many of my colleagues are celebrating this joyful occasion in Lagos and at World Headquarters in Denmark. And when you look at these installations, I hope you’re as proud as I am. Furthermore, this achievement symbolizes the huge potential we see in Nigeria and the exciting journey this country is on. We have been on this journey for some time and are extremely committed to continuing to play a role and contribute to the development of the dairy industry,” said Stevens.

He added that the farm, delivered at an investment cost of more than 10 million euros, would serve as a place of dairy production and an epicenter of dairy know-how.

In his words, Denmark’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Sune Krogstrup, noted that the project demonstrates Arla Foods’ commitment to boosting the local dairy segment of the agricultural value chain, which would have a positive impact on the country’s economy. Kaduna State and would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

Also speaking, Arla Foods West Africa Manager Ms Anna Månsson noted that the commissioning of the project is the culmination of a series of events which began with the signing of a lease agreement with the Kaduna State Government in 2021, culminating in the securing of farmland and followed by construction works. Månsson also noted that the state-of-the-art dairy farm is the first of its kind in Nigeria, set to define the future of dairy farming in Nigeria.

Månsson noted that more than 40 people would be directly employed on the farm, as it would serve as a livelihood for Nigerians, especially those from the Damau community in Kaduna State. She explained that the farm is expected to produce 1.6 million kg of milk in 2024, with a target of 4 million kg of annual milk production.

In his goodwill message, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, said he was proud to be associated with such a massive investment as it would lead to economic transformation for the people of Kaduna State and the -of the.

“I am pleased to have witnessed many strategic investments in my field over the past few years. This type of investment – Arla Farm, can only be found in other climates, but I am happy to witness it in my reign. Based on this, I would like to say a big thank you to Arla Foods and Kaduna State Government management and staff for this investment,” Bamalli said.

In her remarks, Managing Director of Kaduna Markets Management and Development Company, Tamar Nandul, said the agency is proud to be associated with Arla Foods and the added value of Kaduna State’s investment.

Nandul acknowledged that the farm is unquestionably the most advanced farm in Nigeria and noted that this project would go a long way in improving profitability for herders, revolutionizing the state’s dairy value chain and providing permanent solutions to the crisis. breeders-farmers.

Also speaking, Vice President of Finance for the International Area, Arla Foods, Steen Futtrup said the official opening of the farm is a clear example of the company’s commitment to Nigeria, saying the ‘company is optimistic that the farm would have a significant impact. on the local dairy industry.

Speaking on the features of the farm, Arla Nigeria Managing Director Peder Pedersen said the project, which covers 400 hectares of land that can accommodate 400 dairy cows and 1,000 animals, is designed to ensure well- optimum animal health and productivity. .

Pedersen noted that the farm is home to 216 Danish Holstein cows, which arrived a few days ago and are settling in well to their new environment. According to him, the Holstein breed, known to have a higher yield per cow than local breeds, should produce 5 million kg of milk per year at full farm capacity.

He said the farm has advanced technology which provides comfort to the animals and helps a lot in producing high yielding dairy cows.