Sameer Agriculture &Livestock Ltd

OPPORTUNITIES FOR QUALITY MILK IN EAST AFRICAN REGION

By

Mr. Walimbwa Robert

we exist for our valued customers and dedicated to availing safe and quality products at all times

sameer Agriculture & Livestock Ltd (SALL) hasbeen in the business of Milk collection & dairyprocessing for about 8 yrs in Uganda.

SALL collects raw milk from about 150 milkcoolers in various parts of south west & CentralUganda.

Milk Collection Centers –SALL MCC

SALL has got Milk Collections Centers all over Uganda, there atotal of about 150 centers.

New Centers

KampalaHead officeRaw milk

Raw milk

Raw milk

Raw milk

Current Market Segments

Sameer Agriculture & Livestock Ltd processes milk into various

dairy products, such as Milk powders, Long-life milk products,

Yoghurt products, fresh pasteurized milk products, Butter

products & Ghee.

MARKETING SEGMENTS

SALL sells these products in the local markets & exports to

more than 10 countries, which includes African, European &

Asian markets

CURRENT US EAS 67 – RAW COW MILK

The current harmonized UNBS /EA Raw Cow milk standard summarized;

a) SNF …………> 8.50%

b) Density…….. 1.028 -1.036 g/mL

c) Negative on 75% Alcohol vol by vol.

d) Good milk is min. Resazurin 5 & above or min. Methyleneblue time reading, approx 4.5 hrs.

e) Specified microbiological limits –TPC & coliforms, SCC.

f) Contaminants free –Free from Heavy metals, Pesticidesresidues, Veterinary drugs residues & other contaminants

Challenges from the Standard

A lot of challenges arise from the farmer level to Govtlevel in order to meet the set specifications;

- Microbial /hygiene expectations to meet set limits

- Feeding requirements to meet total solids, fat &

protein levels in the standards.

- Respecting the non-milking periods after calving &after veterinary treatments.

- Various adulteration practices intended for gains.

Farmer level RequirementsTo achieve the required Quality parameters of US

EAS 67, the farmer has to:a) Made aware of the good animal husbandrypracticesb) Get access to cheap veterinary services.c) Trained in hygienic milk production practices.d) Get access to cheap financial services.e) Feel the hand of the govt against malpractices.f) Be able to grow & preserve animal feedsg) Use hygienically designed containers.

Expectations from Research Institutes

A multi-disciplinary focus on Raw milk qualityimprovement, is the way forward.

Research institutes can help in the raw milk qualityimprovement by availing information concerning;- Current trends in raw milk properties in the local &imported cow breeds.- Recent data on various contaminants & microbialaspects in the dairy sector.- Efficient performance rqts against current practices invarious areas of the Ugandan dairy value chain.

Farmer level RequirementsTo achieve the required Quality parameters of US

EAS 67, the farmer has to:a) Made aware of the good animal husbandrypracticesb) Get access to cheap veterinary services.c) Trained in hygienic milk production practices.d) Get access to cheap financial services.e) Feel the hand of the govt against malpractices.f) Be able to grow & preserve animal feedsg) Use hygienically designed containers.

Milk Quality at Factory level

A variety of requirements arise if the factory is toconsistently receive quality milk.- Microbiological analysis of Raw milk to establishmajor sources of problems.- Advanced testing facilities for quantification ofmilk components such as fat, proteins, Totalsolids, antibiotics, preservatives, adulterants &other parameters.- Experienced personnel to manage milkreception.

Milk Quality at Government Level

For Govt to support the consistent Quality milkproduction, these aspects need review;- Regular review of education & training programsstructure & facilities at college levels.- Stringent implementation of policies in thesector to create a leveled platform for all players.- Reduced taxation of agricultural & veterinarymaterials needed in the dairy production.- Availing cheap financial services for farmers.

Conclusion as Regards Qualityimprovement

The opportunities for improvement of milk qualityare such immense that even if only a few stepsare taken at each level, the effect will be great.

It is also clear that a multidisciplinary approach isthe way forward and all stakeholders willappreciate the overall objective of getting qualitymilk at cheap cost.

Thank You.