Three years post-incorporation by the Ekiti State Government through Fountain Holdings Limited and Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Ikun Dairy Farm Limited has claimed to revitalise the dairy industry in the state.
The farm has shown that commercial dairy farming and ranching can succeed with government backing and the involvement of the private sector by providing local raw materials for milk production.
The company’s commitment to turning the farm into a world-class dairy farm is becoming a reality as it makes sure to utilise all of the farm’s potential and has qualified staff working to ensure effective operation.
Promasidor stated that in order to ensure cow comfort, over 200 employees who are drawn from the farm’s immediate community work under the direction of an experienced dairy farmer/general manager. They are assisted by a farm manager, qualified veterinary doctors, and dairy-trained practitioners. Regular vaccinations, proper animal care and feeding, clean, well-ventilated barns, and a plentiful supply of fresh water are also used.
The farm currently has approximately 500 exotic breeds of animals under its care. It has also started producing fresh milk on a daily basis, which is used by the calves and later purchased by PNL when the farm’s output increases.
Regularly inseminated with semen, which ensures the birth of at least 90% of heifers, this is crucial for the herd’s organic growth in addition to milk production.
In addition, the farm has started growing its own feed to augment the feed that the animals need. This year, more than 400 hectares of Rhodes grass, soy beans, and maize crops have been planted and ensiled. This helps the farm’s business case and guarantees the animals’ access to feed, as purchasing feed will hasten this initiative’s demise.
Residents now have more work options as a result of this, which is also raising the state’s agro-allied reputation and boosting the state economy.
In order to guarantee the project’s success, the local community and state government have shown their unwavering support by securing the farm and granting its management unrestricted authority to run and expand the enterprise. According to what each partner has mentioned, they are working nonstop to make sure this effort succeeds and that its objectives are fulfilled.
