RMRDC, MAUTECH Start Milk Processing Centre In Adamawa

From Tom Garba, Yola
A Milk Collection and Processing Centre established by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in collaboration with Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola, was on Thursday inaugurated in Yola, the state capital.
Speaking at the inauguration, Director General, RMRDC, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim, said the project, known as Community-based Cattle Breeding/Upgrading and Processing Centre was intended to address the problem of low milk production by indigenous cattle.
Ibrahim, who was represented by the Deputy Director Textile, Leather and Livestock Division of RMRDC, Dr Grema Gana-Mustafa, said the centre meant for Mbamba/Gurin Communities would also check wastage of abundant milk being produced during rainy season due to lack of processing and preservation equipment.
His words: “In this collaboration, RMRDC provided all the equipment needed for the centre including 30KVA generating set while the university provided the infrastructure for housing and installation of equipment in accordance with NAFDAC specification.
“The Mbamba/Gurin Fadama Communities provide the cattle for sourcing the raw materials (milk) after an initial artificial insemination cum upgrading undertaken by Adamawa State Fadama III Coordinating Office.”
He noted that the timing of the inauguration was apt as it was coming at a time the present administration was revitalizing the agricultural sector in the face of dwindling oil revenue.
Ibrahim said that the country’s dependence on imported milk, which the centre hoped to address, has not only affected the nation foreign exchange earnings but slowed down the development of indigenous diary industry.
“Thus, revitalizing the dairy industry will generate employment and empower our teeming population economically.” Ibrahim said.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Mbamba/Gurin Fadama Community, Alhaji Umaru Hamman, who said the community have over 300 cows to service the centre lauded RMRDC, MAUTECH and others who contributed to making the centre a reality.
“In particular we are indebted to Fadama Development project, RMRDC, MAUTECH and our project consultants, Dr Dahiru Murtala Wali and Dr Abdurrahman Tukur.” Hamman said.
He listed some of their challenges such as lack of grants or soft loans to support milk production and processing and urged the state government to come to their aid.
In his remarks at the occasion, Deputy Governor, Adamawa State, Mr Martins Babale, lauded the development which he said was in line with the state government’s effort to boost agriculture as the main stay of its economy.
Babale said the state government was ready to collaborate with stakeholders to have more of such centres in the state for full utilization of the state livestock potentials.