Milk Coolers

Dairy is one of the twelve (12) priority commodities being promoted by the Government of Uganda. The dairy sub-sector contributes 9% of the country’s GDP. This means that if sufficient investment is made in the dairy industry, it has the potential to contribute significantly to national economic growth and development.

The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and departments such as the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) and Dairy Development Authority (DDA) aims at stimulating the dairy sector potential areas. It is believed that development of milk marketing infrastructure will create the incentive to improve milk production in the cattle corridor districts of Uganda.

The NAADS Secretariat is promoting a value chain approach to the dairy sector (increased milk production, collection and formal marketing) through:

• Provision of improved dairy cattle breeds to farmers
• Provision of community Artificial Insemination kits for improving local breeds
• Improved cattle pastures/feeds promotion and development:
• Provision of milk coolers and ancillary equipment to dairy farming communities
• Agribusiness trainings and capacity building of dairy farmers and farmer groups/cooperatives in collaboration with DDA, UCSCU, UCA and Ministry of Local Government.

Milk coolers are a critical unit in the dairy value chain. They ensure bulking is done at all levels of production, it eases transportation as milk tankers find reasonable volumes in one place and they also stimulate development in the area as different service providers will converge at the cooler. The milk cooler concept stimulates production; builds a community around a common interest. This makes it possible for the community to access better markets, bargain for favorable prices and hence improved household income.

Since FY 2012/13 to date, NAADS has distributed milk cooling and handling equipment to deserving dairy farmer groups/cooperatives in various parts of the country in order to promote production and marketing of milk and milk products along the dairy value chain.

The identification and selection of the potential dairy farmer cooperatives/groups/associations has and is being carried out in collaboration with the Dairy Development Authority (DDA). The aim has been to identify and select dairy groups with the ability to own and manage milk cooling facilities on business principles.