Kenya’s Strategy to Double Milk Production in Three Years

The government has initiated a strategy to double milk production in three years. This plan aims to increase production from the current 5 billion to 11 billion liters per year by 2027.

Two-Pronged Approach to Boost Production

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi outlined a two-pronged approach. This strategy provides farmers with sexed semen for herd growth and credit to produce nutritious feeds for dairy animals.

Agriculture and Livestock Development

Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi

Funds for Fodder Production

The government has made funds available to the Agricultural Finance Corporation for farmers to borrow and grow fodder. The semen subsidy program will allow farmers to acquire semen that yields heifers at Sh2900 per insemination. This is a significant reduction from the current market rate of Sh7,000 to Sh9,000.

Speaking to Tea Farmers

Linturi spoke to tea farmers at Rukuriri Tea Factory in Embu. He emphasized the government’s intention to help farmers diversify their incomes and shield themselves from tea market shocks.

Government Will Not Interfere in Elections

The CS assured farmers that the government will not interfere with their forthcoming elections. He stated that they will work with those elected by the farmers.

Sector Reforms Yield Results

Linturi noted that sector reforms started five years ago had yielded better governance. One major reform was the removal of weighted voting. Previously, people with more tea wielded more votes than those with fewer bushes.

Orthodox Teas and Economic Contribution

Linturi highlighted the shift to in-demand orthodox teas. This shift will increase farmers’ incomes and boost the crop’s contribution to the GDP, currently at 4 percent.

Addressing the Fake Fertilizer Issue

Linturi revisited the fake fertilizer issue, distancing himself from the scandal. He claimed the issue was clouded in lies and propaganda, stating, “I do not manufacture fertilizer.”

Tea Development Agency’s Appeal

Kenya Tea Development Agency national Chairman Enos Njeru urged the government to remove all taxes on tea packaging materials. He argued that these taxes hampered value addition in the tea sector and slowed down domestic tea sales.

Increasing Farmer Payouts

Njeru said his board aims to raise total farmer payouts from the current Sh60 to Sh85 in the near future. Their goal is eventually to exceed Sh100. The government’s revised borrowing target and strategic plan to boost milk production reflect its commitment to economic stability and agricultural growth. As the nation awaits the Budget speech, stakeholders remain attentive to the government’s plans and their potential impacts on various sectors. The agriculture sector, particularly dairy and tea, stands to benefit from the initiatives aimed at increasing production and farmer incomes. The focus on infrastructure, social programs, and sector reforms highlights the government’s multi-faceted approach to addressing economic challenges and fostering growth.