Farmers in Yala, South Gem and East Yimbo have 25 dairy heifers, 13 bulls, 70 goats and 8,000 poultry birds from Siaya county government to cushion them against the difficult economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing farmers at the Yala Chief Camp as he handed over the livestock, Deputy Governor Dr James Okumbe indicated that the donation will be channelled to 38 groups from Yala, South Gem and Yimbo West wards.
“The livestock will be tentatively owned on a rotational basis with each member allowed to permanently retain a calf upon delivery in an agreed-upon cycle,” said Dr. Okumbe.
The project which was started in 2013 has seen 728 dairy cows given to selected groups in the County, aimed at increasing milk production from the current 6.5 litres per cow per day to 10 litres per cow per day.
“Livestock products are an important component of food security and nutrition. We are therefore committed to leveraging on this to enhance the well being of farmers,” emphasized Dr Okumbe.
The Deputy Governor further pointed at county undertakings to offset debts owed to farmers who had delivered their milk to Sam Malanga Dairy Cooperative Society, having injected Kshs. 3 million to the program.
Dr. Okumbe was accompanied by Agriculture Executive Elizabeth Odhiambo, Agriculture Chief Officer Charles Siso and Yala Township MCA William Kinyanyi.
