NIGERIA – The Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project (KSADP) has announced its plans to spend approximately N3.9 billion (US$4.32 million) on the construction of 60 Milk Collection Centres (MCC) across the state.
The ambitious project is set to transform the dairy landscape, ensuring the provision of quality and safe milk through the implementation of a robust cold chain system.
According to Mr Ameen Yassar, the Project Communication Specialist overseeing the initiative, the funds for this venture are being provided by the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihood Funds.
The contracts, divided into four lots, have been awarded to four indigenous companies, each tasked with the completion of their respective MCC within a 12-month timeframe.
Each Milk Collection Centre will be equipped with essential infrastructure, including a borehole fitted with a solar-powered pump, a 20,000-litre overhead tank, an input store managed by a community appointee, and up to 10 fodder banks in its surroundings.
Furthermore, the centres will feature a 250-litre tank cooled by solar power, a milk testing bench furnished with appropriate reagents and equipment, and milk collection cans.
Malam Ibrahim Muhammad, the Project Coordinator of the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, expressed the groundbreaking nature of this investment, emphasizing its potential to address the persistent challenges of supply inadequacy and poor milk quality within the dairy industry.
He asserted that the MCC project aims to establish a reliable cold chain, ensuring the consistent availability of quality milk, which, in turn, will secure regular sales and income for pastoralists.
“The investment is unprecedented in Nigeria and will bridge the gap between pastoralists and the dairy industry,” Malam Ibrahim said.
He urged the companies awarded the contracts to uphold high standards and execute durable projects within the agreed timeframe, emphasizing the need to justify the confidence reposed in them.
As the construction of these Milk Collection Centres begins, the Kano State government anticipates a transformative impact on the dairy sector, fostering economic growth and improving the livelihoods of pastoralists in the region.
Subscribe to our food and agriculture industry email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE
