Githunguri Dairy Farmers Co-operative Society (GDFCS), the third biggest dairy operation in Kiambu County has weathered the hard economic times to register a Sh1.1 billion profit during its 2021/2022 financial year.
The milk processing facility reported the increase in profit during an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 16th October, 2022 at Githunguri Stadium.
Speaking during the event GDFCS chairman George Kinuthia credited the success of the rural dairy cooperative to an increase of milk prices as well as increased milk production by registered membership.
“GDFCS has grown to a registered membership of over 26,000, with current daily production of 240,000 litres,” said Kinuthia, but noted, farmers grappled with high costs of animal feed.
“Prices of dairy meal, maize germ, bran and pollard has continued to rise thereby adversely affecting dairy farming despite the government having waived their taxes,” he said.
The milk processing facility boss further told thousands of members who had gathered at Githunguri stadium that the cost of production materials had also gone up by between 40 – 70 percent.
“It’s worth noting that despite the hardships and challenges we encountered, the society increased its milk production by more than 6 million litres.
The chairman urged farmers to continue increasing their milk production noting that the market is still big and demanding for more every other day.
“The more milk you deliver to us, the lesser the production cost and hence the better payment for farmers. During the 2021/2022 financial year, we increased the prices of milk from Sh41.50 to Sh45 per litre,” cited the Chairman.
The society which makes the ‘Fresha’ brands of milk and milk products was recently awarded the best managed society in Kenya.
It was also recorded as the best facility in value addition besides scooping the first position as the best cooperative movement/Sacco during the recently conducted Nairobi International Trade Fair.
He said that the society’s membership stands at 27,114 with 11,691 being active and prevailed upon the dormant ones to consider being active.
Kinuthia further encouraged the youths to embrace dairy farming as a business venture, and as they align themselves to President William Ruto’s 10-year plan to reform the agriculture sector in the country. The dairy sector is estimated at 15 percent of Kenya’s agricultural GDP.
By Grace Naishoo
