News in brief:
– Arla Foods hosted its first Open Day at the Damau Farm in Kaduna, showcasing advanced dairy technologies.
– The event emphasised public-private partnerships and sustainable practices to boost local dairy production.
Arla Foods recently hosted its first-ever “Arla-Damau Open Day” in Damau, Kaduna, bringing together government officials, local farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and students. The event highlighted innovative dairy farming practices and technologies aimed at boosting local dairy production in Nigeria.
Arla Foods is a farmer-owned dairy cooperative known for its sustainable dairy production. Its farm, inaugurated in May 2023, collaborates with local dairy farmers in Kaduna to improve milk yields and animal welfare. The Open Day allowed participants to tour the facility and see firsthand how Arla combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable farming techniques.
High points of the event included demonstrations of Arla’s advanced milking technologies and animal care practices. The farm also hosted exhibition stands from about 20 local and international companies displaying their dairy farming products. Students from regional veterinary universities gained practical insights, bridging the gap between their studies and real-world dairy farming.
Public-private partnerships
The event underscored the collaboration between Arla, the Kaduna State Government, and the Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on sustainable growth. The farm supports the Damau Household Project, a government initiative to empower local households through dairy farming. This collaboration is pivotal for driving economic growth in Kaduna State and Nigeria’s dairy sector.
Arla remains committed to scaling local dairy production through initiatives like the Partnership for Green and Productive Dairy (PGPD) project. The company’s emphasis on green dairy farming practices and the use of advanced technologies aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental impact while improving farm productivity.
The Open Day at Arla’s Damau Farm not only showcased innovative farming practices but also emphasised the importance of collaboration in growing Nigeria’s dairy sector. Arla’s ongoing commitment to local capacity-building, sustainability, and economic development is a key driver in strengthening food security and dairy production across the country.
