Abuja: The DANDALIN MAKIYAYA, a Coalition of Herders, has appealed to the Federal Government to support initiatives aimed at improving cattle breeds through artificial insemination and genetic enhancement programs. Comrade Pariya, the National Organising Secretary of the organization, made this appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja to mark World Milk Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the organization emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for the country to meet its local milk production demands. World Milk Day, observed annually on June 1, was established by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation in 2001. The theme for 2026 is ‘Celebrating Women Dairy Farmers: Promoting Fresh Milk Consumption for a Healthy Nation.’ Pariya voiced concerns over the current annual milk production figures, which stand at 600,000 to 700,000 metric tonnes, noting these are significantly below the local demand of 1.7 million metric tonnes.
Pariya highlighted the need for government intervention in developing grazing reserves and ranching infrastructure, improving cattle breeds through genetic programs, and supporting fodder production. He also urged the government to enhance veterinary and extension services, rehabilitate rural roads, and improve electricity supply to aid milk collection and processing.
The organization has initiated several measures to address domestic demand, such as training dairy farmers in improved management practices, introducing high-yielding dairy breeds, and establishing milk collection centers closer to producers. Pariya also emphasized the importance of cultivating improved pasture and fodder crops, promoting commercial dairy farming, supporting women and youth in dairy enterprises, and encouraging investments in milk processing facilities.
Challenges identified by Pariya include the low genetic potential of indigenous cattle, inadequate feed resources, limited access to finance and insurance, poor infrastructure, and the high incidence of livestock diseases. He also mentioned issues like farmer-herder conflicts, climate change, and weak extension and veterinary support services.
To overcome these challenges, the group recommends increased investment in livestock infrastructure, development of pasture and fodder banks, and strengthening veterinary healthcare systems. Pariya urged the government to establish more milk collection centers, improve security in farming communities, and increase funding for livestock research.
Policies that encourage local milk production and reduce dependency on imports are also recommended. Pariya concluded by expressing the expectation that the government will collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to implement sustainable dairy development programs, thereby significantly boosting national milk output.