Livestock PS Andrew Tuimur (C) with Uasin Gishu Agriculture CeC Dr Cyril Cheruiyot at Sugoi, Uasin Gishu during a visit to one of the farmers who has benefited from the SDCP program. [Photo: hivisasa.com]
Dairy farming in the North Rift region and parts of Western Kenya is set to receive a major boost as government plans to distribute over 350 milk coolers to farmers cooperatives.
The coolers will be distributed in 9 counties where the Smallholder Dairy Commercialisation Programme (SDCP) is being implemented.
According to Principal Secretary at the State Department of Livestock in the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Andrew Toimur, the program is meant to help farmers develop the dairy sector.
Speaking in Eldoret on Tuesday during a visit to some of the areas that have already benefited from the initiative in Uasin Gishu county, Dr Toimur said the program which begun in 2006 has already impacted directly on over 24,0000 households.
"The program is tailored around teaching and training farmers on how to improve dairy production. The farmers are also provided with equipment like coolers to improve on the quality of milk," noted the Livestock PS.
He however challenged dairy farmers to ensure they have sufficient supply of food for their livestock to avoid seasonality in milk production.
"Farmers need to avoid seasonality of milk production by ensuring they have sufficient fodders and silage in that irrespective of the weather conditions, milk supply will be constant," Dr Toimur advised the farmers.
Smallholder Dairy Commercialisation Programme (SDCP) is a joint development programme between the Government of Kenya and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with an emphasis on commercialisation of dairy and dairy products through the Market Oriented Dairy Enterprises (MODE).
In Uasin Gishu county alone, five coolers have been distributed to farmers co-operatives.