The ongoing drought has put the dairy industry under threat as milk production declines by over 6% an official said this week as reported by Xinhua this week.

According to the Managing Director of Namibia Dairies Gunther Ling, fodder shortages leading to unsustainable feed prices threaten the existence of Namibia’s dairy industry.

“The decline in milk production is due to poor rainfall received this year, which resulted in unfavourable grazing conditions and reduced availability of animal feed. Raw milk production is significantly reduced, while cream supply is also under pressure,” he said.

He said because of the recurring drought in the past few years, four producers have left the industry.

Statistics show that the total market size for fresh and UHT milk and yoghurt is 38 million litres per year, of which 62 % is imported.