President William Ruto has celebrated the positive results his government’s reforms in the agricultural sector have brought to farmers.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Dairy Farmers Field Day at the Meru ASK Showground, President Ruto highlighted the gains in productivity and farmer earnings in the sector thanks to his ongoing policy changes.
He noted that his administration has raised the dairy farmers’ earnings from KSh 35 to over KSh 50 a litre of milk.
Consequently, the president said the value of milk produced has grown from KSh 40 billion to KSh 59 billion.
To maintain and accelerate this momentum, President Ruto outlined several bold initiatives aimed at strengthening the dairy industry:
They include:
1. Reducing Cost of Sexed Semen
In a move to boost herd quality and productivity, the government is slashing the price of sexed semen to Sh1,000. This will make advanced breeding technologies more accessible to smallholder farmers, enabling them to increase milk yields and improve livestock genetics.
2. Nationwide Vaccination Drive
Recognizing the importance of animal health, the administration is rolling out a comprehensive vaccination program. This initiative aims to curb livestock diseases, reduce mortality rates, and ensure that farmers can maximize returns from their herds.
3. Tax Exemption on Yellow Maize
To address the persistent challenge of high animal feed costs, the government is exempting yellow maize from taxes. This policy is expected to lower feed prices, easing the financial burden on dairy farmers and enhancing their profitability.
4. Expanding Access to Milk Coolers
Post-harvest losses have long plagued the dairy sector. To tackle this, the government is expanding access to milk coolers across the country. By preserving milk quality and extending shelf life, these coolers will help farmers fetch better prices and reduce wastage.
