Ikun Dairy Farm produces 6,000 litres of milk daily as FG backs local dairy push

Spread the word Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State produces more than 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily, according to its management, as the Federal Government signalled readiness to help expand the facility and cut Nigeria’s reliance on imported dairy.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, visited the farm in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, on Wednesday, November 4. 

He commended its work in milk production, cattle breeding and animal health management.

Maiha said Nigeria spends about $1.5 billion annually on imported dairy products. He stressed the need to back investments that raise domestic output, create jobs and strengthen food security.

He added that the Federal Government is willing to work with Promasidor Nigeria Limited and the Ekiti State Government to explore expanding the facility.

The farm is operated by Promasidor in partnership with the Ekiti State Government. 

Established in the 1980s, it remained underutilised for years until a partnership formalised in 2019 brought fresh investment, including an initial $5 million from Promasidor.

The farm now covers over 530 hectares and houses more than 700 cattle, according to its management.

Promasidor’s Group Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ikun Dairy Farm Limited, Yomi Adenson, said the farm sold more than 160 pregnant heifers to farmers this year, improving access to dairy cattle and boosting local production capacity.

Adenson said the farm struggled in its early years, losing scores of imported cattle that could not adapt to the Nigerian environment. Sustained breeding has since produced successive generations better suited to local conditions, he said.

The farm also produces some of its own feed, including maize and soybean, and has invested in animal healthcare and improved dairy practices. 

Adenson said unlocking its full potential would require stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ekiti State Government.

Representing the Ekiti State Governor, the Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to an integrated agricultural value chain spanning crops and livestock. He also pointed to the commissioning of a modern veterinary clinic to improve animal healthcare and disease management.

Promasidor, established in Nigeria in 1993, makes Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Onga, Top Tea, Twisco and Kremela.