Kakamega County administration will offer extension services and pigs to farmers to boost food security and wealth creation in the region.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said the move will enable pig farmers to increase their stocks and explore markets for pig products.
The governor also said there are plans to initiate a program to provide subsidized feeds and to revive the pig slaughterhouse in Ikolomani Sub County where operations had stalled for lack of sufficient stock.
“My administration will also engage investors and source markets for pig products on their behalf to enhance profits,” he said.
He said some of the profitable value chains in pig farming include skin, pork and quality manure with high-standard biogas for both domestic and commercial use.
“My administration will empower farmers through pig farming in line with our food security and wealth creation pillars,” said the Governor.
He noted that pig farming remains one of the most highly profitable agribusiness farm initiatives due to the productive nature of pigs with the ability to deliver ten piglets at once.
“The gestation period of a pig is three months, three weeks and three days coupled with a swift maturation period of just six months,” He clarified.
Barasa said already in the first phase, farmers in Navakholo, Shinyalu, Ikolomani and Lurambi sub–counties have benefitted from the distribution exercise.
He said they have offered large white and duroc breeds to farmers because of their quick adaptability in the region.
While speaking in the county today, he said the subsequent distribution phase will extend to farmers in the remaining sub-counties.
The governor said to sustain the project, farmers will employ the pass-on method where after receiving an in-pig or two pigs (Female and Male)) the beneficiaries are required to give four piglets to other farmers after parturition.
He said the county government has also established a pig multiplication center at Bukura Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) through the Department of Agriculture.
By John Ochanda
