Tanzania Dairy Board urges Mtwara residents to capitalize on dairy cow breeding opportunities

TANZANIA – Tanzania’s dairy sector plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and nutrition, with the industry growing steadily in recent years. 

However, milk production still needs to be improved to meet domestic demand, particularly in regions like Mtwara, where the demand for milk far exceeds supply.

The sector’s current production stands at 3.9 billion liters annually, far below the per capita consumption of 200 liters recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

In light of this, the Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB) has called on the citizens of Mtwara to seize the opportunity in dairy farming to boost their income and improve regional milk supply. 

Speaking at the School Milk Day celebration on September 25, 2024, TDB Registrar Prof. George Msalya highlighted the economic potential of dairy farming in the region.

“Here in Mtwara, there is an opportunity to breed dairy cows, where you can earn an average of one to two million shillings per month, which is more than many people’s wages,”  Prof. Msalya said.

Prof. Msalya emphasized that the low milk production levels in Tanzania hinder national goals for improving nutrition and economic development. 

He urged residents to consider dairy farming as a sustainable income source while contributing to the broader goal of enhancing milk consumption across the country.

Adding to this, Ruth Mkopi, a representative of the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB), encouraged regional leaders to promote dairy farming. 

She highlighted the role of milk in improving community health, particularly for children. “I ask you to find opportunities to get the best cows that can produce a lot of milk to continue encouraging milk consumption and production,” she said.

Mtwara District Commissioner Abdallah Mwaipaya, representing the Regional Governor, reiterated the importance of affordable milk prices for students. 

He called on the Tanzania Milk Board to consider setting student-friendly prices to ensure widespread access. 

We need to ensure every student can afford milk, as it is vital for their health, mind, and physical strength. Many students attend school on an empty stomach,” said Mwaipaya.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.

Newer Post

Thumbnail for Tanzania Dairy Board urges Mtwara residents to capitalize on dairy cow breeding opportunities

Lactalis to cut 450M Litres from milk pool

Older Post

Thumbnail for Tanzania Dairy Board urges Mtwara residents to capitalize on dairy cow breeding opportunities

MilkyMist partners SIG, AnaBio Technologies to launch world’s first long-life probiotic buttermilk in aseptic carton packs

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *