Dairy farmers plead for quality feeds to improve yields

Dairy farmers in Kiambu County have urged both the national and county governments to support the sector by providing quality dairy feeds and sexed semen to increase milk production. Joanne Atian’g, the dairy sector officer in the Ministry of Livestock, acknowledged that farmers are struggling due to poor genetics and low-quality feeds, which have adversely affected their operations.

However, she assured the farmers that the government is working to resolve these issues, including reducing the cost of feeds following zero taxation on the importation of maize. Kiambaa Dairy Cooperative Society chairperson Peris Wanjiru expressed concern that the subpar quality of animal feeds has led to stagnant milk production for years, and called for immediate action to address the problem.

Dr. Annette Sekempei highlighted aflatoxin contamination, caused by inadequate handling of raw materials, as a significant challenge that can only be resolved when farmers seek essential information to improve the situation. Dr. Paul Mutugi, head of procurement and extension services, emphasized the difficulty in maintaining milk quality due to the scarcity of cooling facilities. As a result, many farmers are compelled to travel long distances to access these services.