DDA distributes 176 aluminium milking buckets to dairy co-operatives in Kampala

The Dairy Development Authority (DDA) has released better pasture seed kinds that are more nutritious and develop quicker. They also distributed 352 milk cans composed of aluminium alloy, weighing 50ltrs/20ltrs each, 176 milking aluminium buckets, and 68 scoops. In contrast to typical handling equipment such as jerrycans, which leak toxins into the milk and reduce its quality, Christopher Ssebina claims that aluminium cans do not leak harmful substances into the milk and also promotes a sustainable approach.

"We are promoting the use of the milk equipment because we want our milk to access further markets both locally and internationally. For milk to access the market, it should be of good quality as per the set standard and to achieve this, they use the recommended containers," Ssebina added.

According to DDA dairy development office Christopher Ssebina, when pastures are scarce during dry seasons, they may be converted into silage and hay. Since the early rains began, four co-operatives from Mukono, Wakiso, Mpigi, and Kampala have received seeds, including Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) (100kgs), Lablab (80kgs), and Centrosema (80kgs).

Aluminium buckets, he says, are preferred because of their smooth internal surface and simplicity of cleaning. According to Ssebina, the instruments are of the highest food grade and are recommended for use while handling milk since they do not react with it and protect its quality. On Tuesday, the DDA offices in Nakasero, Kampala, distributed dairy equipment and supplies to several dairy co-operatives and farmers.

"These pastures can be conserved as hay and silage and can be given to animals in times of scarcity. Each co-operative has received more than 20 kgs of each variety. Our plan is that when they start planting, they will establish mother gardens where they will pick subsequent seeds and distribute them to other farmers in their areas," added Ssebina.

Nakaseke Union of Dairy Farmers, Nyakarongo Dairy Farmers, Kalyabulo Dairy Farmers, Kyabi Dairy Co-operative Society, Kisubi Dairy Farmers, Kalungu District United Dairy Farmers, Mpigi Dairy Farmers, and Moroto are among those who would benefit.

While handing over the equipment and supplies, animal husbandry state minister Bright Rwamirama said that the cows must be adequately fed to produce more milk. Rwamirama noted that the equipment was given to farmers to encourage them to ensure their milk is safe for local and foreign markets. According to DDA interim executive director Samson Akankiza, conservation feeding and extra pastures are required to sustain output.

He also said that spoiling is one of the primary causes of post-harvest handling losses across the dairy value chain, emphasising that the suggested container distribution would demonstrate to farmers on recommended milk handling equipment. The "Clean Milk Production Campaign" will be paired with training, inspection, and enforcement activities to ensure compliance and the production of high-quality milk that will appeal to local and international markets.