The County of Kisumu through the department of Agriculture and livestock today issued 24 dairy cows at a cost of 3.1 million to be distributed across the 7 sub-counties.
Speaking during the flagging off of the distribution exercise, the CEC Agriculture and livestock Mr. Gilchrist Okuom said that the county government has invested in Agriculture and livestock production as a way of improving livelihoods.
The County Minister also acknowledged that the department has concentrated on the high potential areas such as South East Nyakach Ward in Nyakach Sub County which he said has shown a positive performance in dairy farming.
The CEC congratulated the Member of County Assembly for South East Nyakach ward, Hon. Johnson Guya for the continuous investment in dairy farming through development funds to the benefit of the ward, adding that Southeast Nyakach is the model ward in the county in dairy farming and promised that the department will work together to support dairy farming in the area. Noting that the previous herd of livestock issued to farmers are healthy the CEC advised farmers to change from traditional cattle rearing to grade cows as a means of improving their livelihoods.
MCA Guya said that dairy cattles’ profitability outweighs traditional cattle farming in the area. He urged the department to strengthen Artificial Insemination (AI) services to support dairy farming in Nyakach.
The County Chief Officer for Livestock Rosemary Raluoch stated that the County government is committed to supporting farmers to improve the quality of dairy production. She added that the department has put in place a follow-up mechanism to support the farmers through extension services, monitoring and evaluation.
The team encouraged farmers to focus on the value addition of dairy products through the formation of cooperatives.
