Ethiopia’s dairy sector booms with milk production nearly doubled

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia’s dairy industry has experienced remarkable growth, with milk production nearly doubling to 12 billion liters in just three years, thanks to the “Bounty of the Basket” (Yelemat Tirufat) initiative. 

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, this surge reflects the country’s commitment to enhancing food security, uplifting smallholder farmers, and increasing agricultural output. 

The initiative has also driven an eightfold increase in crossbred cattle, a key factor behind the sector’s transformation.

“We are ensuring that farmers have access to affordable, high-quality animal feed in all regions, which is crucial for sustaining milk production and supporting the growing population of crossbred cattle.” Fikru Regassa, State Minister of Agriculture, said.

He credited targeted crossbreeding programs and better farming practices across four major agricultural clusters for the leap in dairy yields. 

Before the initiative, annual crossbreeding averaged 500,000 animals. In its first year, that figure rose to 1.2 million, doubled to 2.4 million in the second year, and reached 2 million of a planned 3.8 million in the third year.

A report by the Ministry highlights that annual milk production rose from 5.8 billion liters to a projected 12 billion, driven by improved breeding techniques, enhanced feed access, and farmer training. 

To support this expansion, Ethiopia has invested in infrastructure, including local liquid nitrogen production for artificial insemination. 

Five new processing units have been acquired, with two operational and three being installed, aiming for a total of 10 plants by year-end. 

The state minister emphasized that these advancements ensure a steady supply for nationwide crossbreeding efforts.

Efforts to bolster milk processing and distribution are also underway. Local plants now produce yogurt, cheese, and butter, while larger facilities in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Awassa improve market reach. 

New plants in Gondar, Bahir Dar, and Jigjiga cut transportation costs and reduce reliance on central hubs. 

The initiative integrates farmers into cooperatives and unions, boosting their market role.

“Households now have access to nutritious dairy products such as milk and eggs, significantly improving their dietary intake,” Regassa noted, linking increased dairy consumption to reduced malnutrition and stunting.

Foreign investment and farmer empowerment are priorities, with the state minister stressing the need for cooperatives to drive growth. 

A high-level workshop held today at ILRI in Addis Ababa brought together stakeholders to craft a national dairy strategy.

 ILRI Senior Scientist Gebregziabher Gebreyohanes reported by the institute emphasized collaboration among institutions, noting ILRI’s partnership with the government to elevate dairy quality. 

The “Bounty of the Basket” initiative is setting a strong foundation for sustainable agriculture, positioning Ethiopia as a leader in African agricultural innovation.

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