State delivers five milk coolers to Nyamira dairy farmers

DEBORAH BOCHERE- KNA

The Government through the Livestock Value Chain Support Project (LVCSP), has delivered five milk coolers to dairy farmers in Nyamira County.

This is meant to improve production, reduce post milking losses and accelerate market access for their milk.

Livestock Development Principal Secretary (PS), Jonathan Mueke, while presiding over the handing over ceremony at Gesima Market in Nyamira County, stated a milk cooler is mandatory that for farmers to gain value and maximize profits from their dairy farming venture.

This is because milk is highly perishable and must, therefore, be handled prudently to ensure it is fresh by the time it gets to the end consumer.

“Dairy farming is one of the core economic activities for the majority of Kenyans and Nyamira farmers are part of those dairy farmers, who solely sustain their livelihood on dairy farming.

"They, therefore, need support and empowerment so that they can sustain high milk production and attain projected profits, to enable them to live decently,” Mueke said.

“Farmers must be empowered, supported, trained on the best dairy farming practices and government is in full support of their farming and we are consequently providing them with coolers, so that they preserve this highly perishable product,” he said.

The PS also confirmed that, the government had launched a national vaccination programme against the deadly foot and mouth disease affecting cattle in Kenya.