The Federal Government says it will in collaboration with FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc, continue in its synergy to improve the Dairy Sub-sector to boost production of locally produced milk.
A statement issued by Mabel Obe, a Senior Information Officer, in the ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, made this known when FrieslandCampina Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Ore Famurewa,visited him in Abuja.
The minister said this would increase the linkages between the smallholder farmers in the sub-sector.
Abuabakar said that the continuous cooperation and collaboration with Friesland Wamco was in line with the diversification policy of President Muhammadu Buhari in the Agricultural Sector geared towards achieving food and nutrition security and to generate more revenue for the nation.
”The ministry will do everything in its capacity to continue to partner and support the organisation as they both have a common interest in the Dairy sub sector,” he said.
He also emphasised on the commitment of the Federal Government to address the issue of insecurity and climate change as it affects agricultural activities and productivity.
In her remarks, Famurewa said that the company would continue to partner and collaborate with the ministry to improve the quality of ocally produced milk through capacity training for the smallholder dairy farmers in modern technologies on how to boost production and increase their earnings.
Mr. Jeroen Elfers, the Global Director, Dairy Development and Milk Streams, Frieslandcampina Wamco, said the organisation as a pioneer diary company in Nigeria, had over the years been partnering and working with the ministry.
He said this partnership was through the Animal Husbandry Services Department to boost production of local milk production and other value chain in the Dairy Sub Sector.
”Their goal is to provide good nutrition, provide better income smallholders dairy farmers, create more jobs and sustainable value chain in the sub sector,” he said.
Mrs. Winnie Solarin, the Director, Animal Husbandry Services Department in the ministry, appreciated the company for its technical support and contribution in the dairy sub sector.
In a separate event at the ministry, the minister was decorated by the National Chairman, Armed Forces Remembrance Day Committee, Retired Maj.- Gen Abdulmailk Jibril as part of the ceremony to mark the upcoming commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The minister said that the nation remained eternally grateful to the gallant men and women who paid the supreme price for the country’s survival and unity.
He urged both the public and private sector to support the veterans and the families of the fallen heroes.