Milk is a source of health and nutrition. One of the most complete foods; the source of high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, dairy fats, Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K (calcium phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium)
- Malawi’s dairy industry registered 9 percent growth in 2019, courtesy of donor support from DFID, We Effect, Heifer International, and adoption of new technologies and animal husbandry practices.
- Milk volumes increased from 82,000 liters per day to 89,000 liters per day while total production for 2019 stood at 39.9 million liters compared to 36 million liters it realized in 2018.
- Dairy processors maintained the farm gate price of K195 per liter. Raw milk alone before it was added value, had contributed to over MK7.7 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
- The dairy cows are estimated at 46,000 against a population of 17.5 million people in Malawi is far too short to meet the milk consumption levels for the growing population. There is a need to increase the population of dairy animals in the country.
- Milk consumption per capita is at 8.3 liters (per person per year) from 5 liters per person per year.
- The dairy processors have been very innovative. As a country, we have seen a variety of dairy products ranging from pasteurized milk to UHT milk and a variety of yogurt drinks and dairy fruit blends.
- The livestock sub-sector continues to be guided by the National Agriculture Policy (NAP)
- Between 2016 and 2019 MMPA is working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Water Development to review the Milk and Milk Products Act – there is a need to establish a National Milk Marketing Board.
National Milk Marketing Board shall be a regulatory body to oversee milk and milk product issues. In its board, it will be represented by members of all the major players in the dairy value chain, including the Malawi Milk Producers Association of Malawi.
Malawi Milk Producers are still waiting for the reviewed Milk and Milk Products Act.
