Peter Mureithi weighs milk from a pick-up in Nyeri town. The sector
recorded a 10pc decline last year having produced 495.2 million litres.
FILE
Nation Media Group
By NEVILLE OTUK
Agriculture ministry officials are seeking to
overturn a milk production decline recorded last year, reversing an
upward trend seen since 2003.
The recently released Economic Survey shows the
sector recorded a 10 per cent decline last year having produced 495.2
million litres. This was the first drop since 2008, the post-election
violence year where farmers were displaced and the milk collection
system disrupted.
The production fell on account of delayed rains and the high cost of processing caused by expensive energy.
The government is seeking ways to strengthen local
dairy breeds to boost milk production and its contribution to GDP.
Officials are looking into tapping into genetic technology and revamping
extension services.
Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Cabinet
Secretary Felix Kosgey said his ministry would also rejuvenate the
dissemination of relevant information to farmers on modern agricultural
practices to boost the sector.
Mr Kosgey said the State would encourage
public-private partnerships in developing strategies to push the growth
of the sector. The ministry said plans to establish disease-free zones
across the 47 counties were in top gear to increase the competitiveness
of Kenyan products in the international market.
Mr Kosgey said the ministry would work with county
governments in promoting farming at the grassroots level. The
contribution of livestock to GDP stands at 12 per cent.
Mr Kosgey spoke during last week’s announcement of
Brookside Dairy’s sponsorship of this year’s Livestock Breeders Show
and Sale to the tune of Sh35 million.
The annual event will be held between June 26 and
28. It is expected to enlighten farmers on technological practices such
as breeding through embryo transfer.
“We are determined to facilitate our 145,000
farmers to benefit from economies of scale by increasing the daily
production of each cow,” the general manager John Gethi said.
He added that his company will work closely with
the government breeding societies to assist dairy farmers grow their
milk production.
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