Ibadan: The Federal Government (FG) has emphasized the critical role of strategic capacity development for grassroots farmers in transforming the national dairy production sector. Mr. Idris Ajimobi, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Livestock Development, highlighted this initiative during a training session for 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Ibadan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training was organized by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and focused on best practices in dairy farming. Ajimobi stated that the initiative is essential for enhancing the capacity of dairy farmers, which is vital for increasing productivity, ensuring quality, and building a sustainable dairy value chain that benefits rural communities and the nation.
Ajimobi emphasized the importance of empowering grassroots farmers as a fundamental step toward self-sufficiency in livestock production. He reiterated the FG’s commitment to developing the livestock sector through policies, partnerships, and programs designed to unlock its full economic potential. He encouraged participants to fully leverage the training and apply the lessons learned to improve their practices.
Dr. Florence Kalulu, Oyo State Coordinator for the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, noted the collective effort to advance the livestock sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers. She acknowledged the crucial role small-scale dairy farmers play in the agricultural ecosystem, contributing to food security and rural economic development.
Kalulu also addressed the challenges facing the dairy sector, including low productivity, poor animal health management, inadequate hygiene practices, and limited access to modern techniques. She affirmed the FG’s commitment to addressing these challenges as part of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), with objectives to raise productivity, improve farmers’ livelihoods, reduce import reliance, and strengthen food and nutrition security.
The training aims not only to impart knowledge but also to catalyze transformation. Kalulu urged participants to become ambassadors of good practices within their communities, sharing knowledge and inspiring others to improve their methods. She stressed that real impact occurs when knowledge reaches farmers, skills are upgraded, and farmers are supported to adopt better practices.
Mrs. Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, President of the Women in Dairy Production Association (WIDPA), expressed appreciation for the government’s attention to the dairy sector. She noted that supporting small dairy farmers contributes to economic growth and highlighted the importance of greater inclusion of women in dairy production. She also recognized the efforts of South-West farmers, emphasizing Oyo State’s significance in agriculture.
Participant Mr. Moyosore Olatunde, who has been involved in dairy farming for 13 years, expressed hope that more young people would venture into dairy production, underscoring the potential for future growth in the sector.