Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia has underscored the need to create milk processing plants at sub-county levels across the county to help earn better milk prices.
He said that the move will see milk processed and packaged at the grassroots in readiness for market instead of relying on other processors, thus increasing the profit margin for the farmer.
Speaking while he commissioned a 5,000 litres-per-hour milk pasteurization processing line at the Ol Kalou Dairy plant in Kaimbaga Ward, Ol Kalou Sub-County, the governor noted that Nyandarua was second in milk production in the country but farmers were yet to benefit from the produce.
The county boss noted that the establishment of the Sh120 million milk processing plant at the dairy will not only grow the rural economy through value addition, but will also create more jobs for the youth.
“We are asking the president through the Energy Principal Secretary to help us get a transformer for the plant to help the Dairy to move from the use of diesel generators and help farmers to make more profits from the venture,” he added.
The governor challenged the dairy to also venture into animal feed formulation and production to help farmers acquire feeds at better prices. “The county is committed towards educating farmers on dairy farming with an intention to subsidize Artificial Insemination (AI) services to help in improving cow breeds in the county,” he added.
Kimemia said his administration will continue to boost agriculture by improving road infrastructure in rural areas through a road rehabilitation programme that started last year.
On his part, Nyandarua Central Deputy County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi hailed the move, noting it complemented President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four agenda; that on food security.
Oyagi added that the national government had so far donated four milk coolers across the county in support of the dairy sector. “The national government has donated these coolers worth Sh24.8 million to help the farmers to be self-sufficient while adding value to their produce. We will continue to partner with the county government as well to ensure that this sector thrives,” noted the DCC.
By Rahab Naimutie
