The Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project (KSADP) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to allocate approximately N3.9 billion for the establishment of 60 state-of-the-art Milk Collection Centres across the region. This momentous development is destined to reshape the landscape of the dairy industry, as announced by Ameen Yassar, the Project Communication Specialist overseeing the project in Kano.
The colossal funding for this project has been made possible through the generous support of the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihood Funds. The primary objective of this extensive endeavor is to bolster the supply of high-quality and safe milk by instituting a comprehensive cold chain infrastructure.
According to Mr. Yassar, the construction contracts have been divided into four lots and have been awarded to four indigenous companies. Each lot is slated for completion within a 12-month period. He further elaborated that each Milk Collection Centre will be equipped with a borehole furnished with a solar-powered pump and a 20,000-litre overhead tank. Additionally, an input store, overseen by a community representative, and up to 10 fodder banks in the surrounding areas will also be integral components of every centre.
Moreover, these cutting-edge facilities will house a 250-litre tank, cooled by solar power, alongside a milk testing bench complete with requisite reagents and equipment, as well as milk collection cans.
The Project Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Muhammad, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this investment, asserting that it marks an unparalleled milestone within Nigeria. He underlined the initiative’s significance in bridging the gap between pastoralists and the dairy industry, thereby addressing the chronic issues of milk supply shortages and subpar quality.
Mr. Ibrahim emphasized, “One of the major problems of the dairy industry is supply inadequacy and poor quality of the milk.” He further articulated, “This MCC project, therefore, aims to ensure provision of quality and safe milk by putting in place a cold chain. This will guarantee regular sales and income for the pastoralists.”
Furthermore, Mr. Ibrahim issued a fervent challenge to the contracted companies, urging them to deliver enduring and robust projects within the stipulated timeframe, thus substantiating the faith invested in their capabilities.
Such a transformative venture holds the promise of revolutionizing the dairy sector in Kano and is poised to set new benchmarks for sustainability and economic empowerment among pastoralists and stakeholders.
The significance of this venture reverberates beyond the borders of Kano, with its potential to serve as a blueprint for progressive agricultural and dairy initiatives across the African continent, charting a course toward enhanced food security and economic development.
