President William Ruto has announced a reduction in the cost of sexed semen in a move to boost dairy farming.
Speaking at the 10th Meru Dairy Cooperative Union annual farmers field day at Gitoro ASK showground, President Ruto said that the prices will go down from Sh. 4000 to Sh. 1000.
“Starting 1st of July this year, the price of sexed semen will go down to Sh. 1000 from Sh. 4000. I don’t want to hear that farmers are being overcharged. Let’s maintain the price so as to support our farmers” said Ruto.
He however urged farmers to embrace sexed semen in order to improve their production, and also be sure of the gender of the calves they expect.
Responding to the Meru Dairy CEO Kenneth Gitonga request for support in completion of a feed manufacturing plant during the event attended by over 30, 000 dairy farmers, the President promised Sh. 100million to fast track the move.
He noted that his government is committed to ensuring that the animal feed prices are also lowered in efforts to lower the production cost.
“We expect the animal feed manufacturing plant to be ready by the end of this year. Through this, we will be able to reduce the cost of animal feed to the benefit of the farmers” said President Ruto.
In a bid to support dairy farming and reduce wastage of milk through preservation, Ruto promised 230 coolers across the country.
“Through the department of livestock, we have purchased 230 coolers. Already, we have released 15 coolers for Meru dairy, 13 for Tharaka Nithi, 15 for Embu and 17 for Kirinyaga. This will be a big boost to the dairy sector in this region” he noted.
President Ruto also urged the county governments to be prepared to receive the coolers.
“We have agreed with the county governments to be prepared to receive coolers that we are distributing. Prepare the places that these coolers will be kept. Let them be functional as they arrive so that our farmers benefit” he said.
On livestock vaccination, Ruto noted that the process is in progress, with plans to launch countrywide exercise in Meru.
“I have been informed about diseases affecting our animals. We are starting a vaccination program that will start here to eradicate mastitis, foot and mouth and lumpskin diseases that are disturbing our farmers” he said.
