CS Kagwe announces new model to improve milk production, reward farmers

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to empower dairy farmers by introducing modern infrastructure that will improve milk quality and production in the country.

According to the CS, the country's next milestone will not only focus on increasing milk production but producing quality milk.

Through the Quality Based Milk Payment (QBMP), farmers will be rewarded based on the quality of milk they deliver.

It is projected to transform the dairy value chain by encouraging farmers to adopt better dairy management practices.

During the handover of milk coolers to Mukurweini Wakulima Dairy Farmers Limited i Nyeri County on Thursday, CS Kagwe intimated that higher returns will go to  farmers investing in proper animal nutrition, clean water, disease control, regular veterinary care, hygienic milking practices and proper milk handling.

He emphasized that Kenya's dairy sector must move beyond selling raw milk to embracing value addition and focus on dairy products like milk powder, cheese, butter, yoghurt and others.

CS Kagwe believes they will enable Kenya to penetrate export markets, create more jobs, reduce losses during periods of surplus production and increase farmers' incomes.

Milk with lower bacterial counts, with higher butterfat and protein content, are more profitable in local and international markets.

The Agriculture CS added that this model can be best achieved by strengthening cooperative societies to provide farmers with better bargaining power, lower production costs, easier access to financing, extension services, quality assurance systems and export opportunities.

They also act as the links through which government support becomes accessible to farmers.

The Ministry says that so far, 32 milk coolers have been distributed across Nyeri County, benefiting cooperatives including Iriaini, Tekari, Gakindu, Gataragwa and Naromoru.

To improve dairy productivity, the CS announced the provision of 500 doses of sexed semen through the Kenya Dairy Board, enabling farmers to achieve up to a 90 percent probability of producing calves of the desired gender, increasing milk production efficiency.