As Tanzania prepares to commemorate the 28th National Milk Week, citizens are being encouraged to embrace expert guidance on the nutritional benefits of milk to promote better health across the country.
Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Adam Malima, made the remarks during a press briefing ahead of the national celebrations scheduled to take place from May 27 to June 1, 2025, at Kiwanja cha Ndege Primary School grounds in Morogoro Municipality.
Highlighting the critical role of milk in nutrition and economic development, Malima called for a national policy to support and prioritize the dairy sector.
He emphasized that such a framework would encourage efficient dairy farming practices and help drive economic growth through improved livestock management.
“Currently, the average annual milk consumption per person in Tanzania is 67 liters, compared to 130 liters in Kenya and 70 liters in Uganda. Globally, leading milk-consuming countries record averages of 360 to 370 liters per person per year,” Malima noted.
He added that despite its potential, Africa contributes only 3% of global milk production. In contrast, India, the world’s top milk producer, accounts for 25% of total output.
“This is a clear signal to the Tanzania Dairy Board to tap into the untapped opportunities available to our livestock keepers,” he said.
According to Malima, National Milk Week will be used as a platform to educate farmers and the public about commercial livestock farming, with a focus on modern techniques such as artificial insemination and cross-breeding, aimed at increasing productivity and income.
“There are vast opportunities for dairy farmers, and there is strong market potential across Africa. Increasing milk production must go hand-in-hand with public education and strategic planning,” he stressed.
He also urged the establishment of a unified platform for dairy farmers to discuss shared challenges and solutions, especially as the sector continues to grapple with issues such as low productivity and limited milk consumption.
As part of the celebrations, milk will be distributed to orphanages, hospitals, and prisons in Morogoro.
Speaking at the same event, Said Isike, Marketing Officer and Representative of the Tanzania Dairy Board Registrar, shared updates on the ongoing School Milk Program, which is now active in 45 regions across the country.
In Morogoro, the program is being implemented in Mafiga and Mchikichini Primary Schools, offering milk to students at subsidized rates.
He revealed that five schools have been equipped with milk vending machines (ATMs), though challenges remain especially regarding milk supply and availability of the machines. Nevertheless, the initiative remains active and is expected to expand.
“The goal is to instill a lifelong habit of milk consumption among students,” Isike said.
Food technologist Rajilan Hilali from the Dairy Board also addressed the impact of climate on milk production, stating that tropical heat poses challenges to dairy yields.He recommended cross-breeding cattle to produce an average of 10 to 15 liters per day.
“In cooler regions such as Iringa, Njombe, and Mbeya, farmers can achieve daily yields of up to 20 liters due to the favorable climate,” Hilali explained.
The week-long celebrations will feature a range of activities, including exhibitions, public education campaigns, and industry discussions all aimed at promoting milk production and consumption in Tanzania.
The official themes of the 2025 National Milk Week are:“Safe Milk for Better Health and a Sustainable Economy.”