The government is set to reform dairy sector by introducing regulations which will set minimum returns for milk.
While addressing dairy farmers at University of Embu during a field day for farmers organized by Kenya Dairy Board, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said the demand for milk in the country currently exceeded the commodity’s production.
“With the new regulations in dairy farming, milk production will go high, fetching better prices for the benefit of dairy farmers,” he stressed, adding the regulation on minimum returns will be reviewed after every six months. He observed the dairy sector was broad and had the potential to even produce milk for export.
The CS noted the government had fast-tracked reforms in agriculture sector particularly in tea and coffee sectors which had attracted better prices.
He pointed out the ministry was also focusing on other crops such as cotton, sweet potatoes, and sorghum to boost their production.
Munya warned those politicizing development projects being undertaken by the government to desist doing so and instead called for unity of purpose irrespective of political affiliations to ensure Kenyans get quality services.
Kenya Dairy Board Managing Director (KDB) Margaret Rugut Kibogy revealed that Embu County was currently producing 45 million litres of milk which was below the county’s demand.
She however noted the quality of milk in the county had gone high after the Dairy board established a laboratory for milk examination in Embu town.
Ms Rugut noted KDB had trained over 100 farmers on modern dairy farming and appreciated the County Government for working closely with the board in efforts to enhance quality milk production.
The MD assured that her board was addressing lack of milk coolers that she noted was the main challenge daily farmers faced.
The field day brought together partners in dairy farming such as Agriculture and Food Authority, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, New KCC, and Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institution.
By Kimani Tirus
