By Clifford Akumu
Kirinyaga County’s milk production will benefit from long term goals preparedness , governor now encourages farmers to embrace dairy farming and put more emphasis on continuous training, technology and skills development.
The governor said, dairy farming is a key driver in livestock sub- sector, with a high potential to put the county on the milk production map.
“Our milk production is largely unexploited. We want to make dairy farming more appealing for our farmers; because that is where the money lies .” Said Kirinyaga County governor, Joseph Ndathi during the launch of Kirinyaga Dairy Farmers Association at Kerugoya Stadium.
The association, which was launched during Kirinyaga County Agri-business Trade Fair will be fully owned and managed by the dairy farmers from the county.
According to the Kenya Dairy Board, the country produces more milk than any other in Africa, but farmers have not maximized production per cow compared with European cattle, which can pump out 35 litres a day.
The county government, he continued, will embark on a sub-county wide registration and capacity building of members to strengthen the association.
“With our collaborators we will plan a series of farmer educational forums and field days in all sub-counties starting from February to spark interest among farmers” said the governor.
In 2015 alone, the county had an estimated population of 80,905 dairy animals with an estimated milk production of 78,664,720 litres of which 20% was consumed at the farm, while 80% marketed largely in the informal market.
He added that county government’s collaboration with stakeholders that promote good livestock husbandry and production resulted in high uptake of dairy farming, with data putting last year’s total earning from milk production at Sh2.75 billion.
“We are encouraging our farmers to take up dairy farming because nowadays it is easy; thanks to new technology and mechanization equipment that supports valued chain addition.”
“Such events provide an opportunity for our farmers and entrepreneurs to learn various technologies in livestock production, value addition, processing and marketing “noted the governor.
Kenya Livestock Producers Association chairman, Geoffrey Gikungu, said organizing exhibitions for farmers and agro – dealers created linkages for more productivity.
“We have seen fruitful outcomes through these sessions. We are going to cover all farmers in every county in collaboration with county governments .” said Gikunja.
Kirinyaga County has over 85% people who depend directly on crop, livestock and fish farming for their livelihoods.
The county’s integrated development plan recognize livestock enterprise as one of the key sub sectors that play a major role towards the attainment of the 10% annual economic growth.
“We have lined our policies in line with vision 2030 mandate. My government is investing substantially in providing irrigation and livestock extension services to bolster farmers’ production.
“We have to work together with our farmers in achieving it” he continued.
Other earnings that recorded a robust increase included coffee earnings at Sh 2.5billion, bananas Sh3.0billion, rice Sh3.9 billion and tea Sh4.5billion.
James Migiro, 59, smallholder farmer from Kevoro region, Kirinyaga County make up the vast majority of dairy farmers in Kenya that struggle to make a living off their cows.
Cost and quality of feeds has been billed as the major setback in achieving high milk production.
“I am happy to have learned new feeds that are cheap from some of the exhibitors from the stalls” said Mr.Migiro, father of six.
Kenya has over 3.5 million improved dairy cows. It produces about 5.2 billion litres of milk annually, with only 600 million litres handled by dairy processors like New KCC and Brookside.
