Invest in dairy industry, Coast farmers urged
Pwani Fresh production supervisor Pius Nduti leads Kilifi county deputy governor Kenneth Kamto and his team on a tour of the newly opened factory on October 17, 2014. PHOTO | LABA WALLOGA |
What you need to know:
- Mr Gichohi told farmers to use modern technology and get better breeds to deal with milk scarcity.
- He was accompanied by Kilifi South MP Mustafa Idd.
The Kenya Dairy Board is asking farmers to invest in the dairy industry at the Coast to help reduce milk deficit in the region.
The board’s managing director, Mr Machira Gichohi, speaking at the official opening of Pwani Fresh Milk processing factory in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, urged farmers to invest in productive dairy cattle, as opposed to indigenous breeds that produce minimal milk.
Mr Gichohi told farmers to use modern technology and get better breeds to deal with milk scarcity. He said Pwani Fresh factory, at Mtepeni, is a relief to farmers who have been frustrated following the collapse of Mariakani Milk Scheme.
“This is an alternative market for milk,” he said of the milk plant whose production capacity is 30,000 litres daily.
Mr Gachohi praised Pwani Fresh for establishing the plant, saying it would offer employment to the community and improve farmer’s income.
“We are proud of the growth of the dairy industry. This year we have launched two dairy processing plants. This initiative at the Coast is the second,” he added.
He said the country has 29 milk plants which process about 1.2 million litres of fresh milk daily.
“Coast region has a low production capacity of milk and a deficit. With the new plant, there is an opportunity for farmers to take advantage of the market,” he said.
The factory, which is currently producing 10,000 litres of milk daily, was officially opened by Kilifi deputy governor Kenneth Kamto on behalf of County Governor Amason Kingi.
He was accompanied by Kilifi South MP Mustafa Idd.
