BUSIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT DONATES MILK VALUE ADDITION EQUIPMENT TO FARMERS COOPERATIVES
The supply of milk in Busia County is not enough to meet the market demand. Milk production is low compared to the consumption rate. The County consumes up to 3 million litres of milk annually yet it currently produces an average of 390,000 litres, falling short of the expected production.
The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Climate Smart and Agribusiness through the Directorate of Livestock Services has embarked on a journey to increase milk production in Busia County by engaging in the supply of value additional equipment to dairy cooperatives, to improve the dairy value chain so that farmers get value for their milk and leverage on existing market gap.
According to Alfred Makokha, the County Deputy Director of Livestock Production, they issued 3 milk pasteurizers of 250 litres capacity each and 3 milk cans of 50 litres each to 3 dairy cooperatives namely; Matayos, Nambale, and Adungosi Dairy Cooperatives to improve the dairy value chain so that farmers can improve the processing and storage.
Addressing the farmers during the handover, Madam Mercy Imo, the Chief Officer of Livestock Protection and Veterinary Services told them that when they utilize the equipment well, they will be able to serve communities and alleviate poverty besides improving nutrition security for the young children raised in the communities.
Mr. Maurice Khamala, the County Dairy Development Officer noted that they started a dairy improvement program in the past financial years with a supply of dairy heifers to farmers and currently they are putting efforts to bridge the existing market gap and make sure production matches up with consumption in the whole County.
Boaz Owase from Nambale Dairy Cooperative appreciated the move, indicating that they have had a challenge of milk getting soured due to bacterial fermentation because they were not able to cool and package well therefore through this equipment they see an upgrade in the sector and this will go a long way in actualizing Governor Otuoma's milk feeding program to ECD children within the County.