The prices of Artificial Insemination (AI) Services is expected to reduce after the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre (KAGRC) established a semen production centre in Nyandarua County.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research (KARLO) based sub-station in OlJororok Constituency, is anticipated to serve Nyandarua, Nakuru and Laikipia Counties in semen production, reducing the cost below the current Shs. 1,000.
Agricultural CS Peter Munya noted that there was still room for improvement of breeds through AI services, while urging KAGRC to improve the genetic potential of animals in the country.
“The government installed the Liquid Nitrogen Plants at Kabete, Ahiti Doba among others across the country and the Nyandarua sub-station will come in to enhance availability of semen products for livestock improvement and will also be home to young bulls for use in semen production,” announced Munya, when he launched the sub-station.
He encouraged farmers to take up AI services noting that the semen was of high quality, reaffirming the government’s support for goat farmers by establishing a goat AI services station at AHITI Doba.
Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia assured the residents that new reduced prices will be rolled out soon, coupled with employment of more extension officers to reach more farmers.
“This will be a game changer in the region as it will improve our reproduction through calving and production of our milk and meat. There is a need to review the prices to zero, while creating awareness for farmers to adopt AI for improved breeds,” noted Ol Jororok MP Michael Muchira.
Also at the event, Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni regretted that the variance in farm gate and the retailing prices of milk in the country had hit hard on the toiling farmers.
“We lose over Shs.0.5 billion annually as Ndaragwa for our 80, 000 litres that we sell each day at Shs.34, while our Kiambu counterparts net Shs.60 for every litre,” cried Kioni.
CS Munya noted that a law was in the offing to ensure the farmers benefited more from the value chains in every sector.
“We are looking forward to a farmer centric value chain to ensure fair compensation as they toil more and should therefore earn more,” said Munya.
By Anne Sabuni
