ibironkeeniola 
The Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State has received the shipment of pregnant Jersey breed dairy cows from the United States (U.S).
Counselor for Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Mission to Nigeria, Gerald Smith, disclosed that the shipment was a result of the strong partnership between the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, the Ikun Dairy Farm, and the government of Nigeria.
He explained that the partnership was supported by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He also noted that the introduction of U.S. dairy cows will boost local milk production and consequently, contribute significantly to ensuring sustainable food security in Nigeria.
He explained, “Promasidor Nigeria Limited in partnership with Ekiti State government and with the strong support of the Central Bank of Nigeria has successfully started an integrated dairy industry in Nigeria with the acquisition of the first batch of pregnant Jersey breed dairy cows from the USA.
“A sustainable dairy industry requires modern genetic cows. This collaboration marks the start of increasing milk production and enhancing the dairy value chain in Nigeria,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Smith disclosed that the US Mission will facilitate a two-week training for Nigerian dairy sector stakeholders in the US.
“We believe these efforts will maximise the local dairy sector’s potential and help Nigeria emerge as a major player in the dairy market in the region,” he asserted.
The Ikun Dairy Farm is located in the Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The farm remained moribund for about 40 years since its existence, until the state government signed a pact with Promasidor Nigeria Limited in 2019, for its resuscitation.
The farm is projected to create thousands of jobs, with a daily expected output of 10,000 litres of milk daily.