Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has urged dairy farmers to utilize their available land to boost milk production.
Currently, the production of milk stands at 540,000 litres against the county’s annual demand of 600,000L.
Speaking after a tour of Ayuka and Borderless Dairies in Teso South and Butula Sub County respectively, the Governor urged famers to embrace milk production to bridge the milk shortage in the county.
He was accompanied by USAID delegation from Washington DC.
“We should practice Dairy farming to end poverty. We should not buy milk from Uganda and Rift Valley,” he said.
The Governor urged farmers to emulate Sir Ayuka who despite having a paltry two plots has nearly 50 dairy animals.
The animals produce over 200 liters of milk per day and yet some farmers have over three acres of land which he said remain unutilized.
He said his government is constructing two modern dairy parks in Teso South and Butula sub counties that are aimed at increasing milk production to bridge the 60,000L shortfall.
Thomas Carr, USAID/Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems Project manager said their focus in 2020 is on value added and pasteurization including yoghurt and other dairy products.
Mr Carr said they are working with Bidco and Unga feeds to improve dairy feed standards, noting their main target with a team of 150 players is on feeds, fodder, artificial insemination for breed improvement and marketing itself.
The Chief of Party said USAID will inject Sh28million for purchase of 22,000 dairy animals to benefit farmers in Eastern and Western Kenya.
“We are also encouraging county governments to embrace AI to encourage cross breeding,” he said.
Dan Odero who is in charge of veterinary services at Border-less Dairies said they have 110 dairy animals that produce a total of 350L per day.
Like Sir Ayuka daires, Odero said they face challenges of fodder which they procure from Kitale, thus increasing production costs.
The farm has employed 24 staff including two women, 11 youths and 11 middle aged men.