MRDC launches project on improved milk production in Taraba

Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has organised a stakeholder meeting for improved milk production project in Taraba state.

Dr Bola Olugbemi,a Director at RMRDC, who is also the coordinator of the project named Development of integrated Dairy and Milk Production, told the meeting that the aim of the project was to make milk production the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

He said a team from RMRDC was in the state to commence a pilot scheme of artificial insemination of some selected cows from few pastoral groups to make them produce 30 litres of milk per day instead of two.

Dr. Olugbemi disclosed that a similar project was successfully carried out in Kaduna and Adamawa states.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr David Kassa commended the council and the federal government for embarking on the project in the state.

He said the project would not only boost milk production but would also help tackle farmers/ herders’ clash since it required cows to be in one place for maximum milk production.

Dr Kassa said the state has the highest concentration of livestock in the country, which make the state suitable for milk production.

“The project would also key into the state anti-open grazing prohibition and ranch law for which, a livestock training center has already commenced at Sunkani near Jalingo” the commissioner said.