The county government of Kisumu has distributed thirteen more in calf dairy cows to small scale farmers in Kisumu West sub county, with a view of boosting milk production in the region.
The initiative as envisaged in Governor Nyong’o’s transformative ten-point agenda, focuses on distributing dairy cows in every household within the identified potential areas to increase milk production in the county and ensure constant supply of milk for the upcoming Nyang’ore dairy Center in Chemelil
Kisumu west sub county has now received a total of 18 in addition to 5 that were given in the last financial year. The aim is to transform the local farmers from cattle herders to commercial farming.
In this program, the first beneficiaries are to pass on their cow’s offspring to another person from the same ward as identified by the county government.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the the CECM for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Gilchrist Okuom reiterated the fulfillment of Governor Nyong’o’s vision of transforming local herders to agribusiness.
He said, the local breeds have not proven profitable to the farmers, but with the dairy cattle, if well taken care of the productivity is high, and therefore better returns.
Mr. Okuom however cautioned the beneficiary farmers against negligence on their part in taking the cows. He added that records will form part of monitoring and evaluation of the capability of the farmer in taking care of the cow.
He further advised the farmers to form a platform where they can share ideas on best practices and also liaise with livestock officers whenever they needed any assistance.
The Chief officer, Livestock and Fisheries, Madam Rosemary Raluoch on her part said the cow distribution exercise is a fulfillment of the Governor’s promise on economically empowering farmers. She said in the last financial year they also distributed goats and now cows in the region as a way of improving the livelihood of the people.
She called on the beneficiaries to diligently take care of the animals by proper feeding and seeking timely treatment whenever the cows are sick. She also challenged them to be role models in keeping dairy cows for people to bench mark with them.
The County Director Livestock Mr. Charles Kakuku, guided the farmers in understanding the regulations within the MoU as they signed.
He further sensitized them on the best practices on keeping the animal healthy to avoid being invaded by diseases or ticks for loss by ticks is considered negligence on the part of the farmer and no compensation.
Mr. Anastasia Adala, one of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the county government for the life changing initiative. He affirmed commitment on behalf of the farmers, resolving to produce better results in terms of production following the sensitization session they had with the director livestock before receiving the cows.
Also gracing the exercise were the area MCA Hon Judith Ogaga and the sub County Administrator Mr. Maurice Oricho.
By: Emily Mikwa
