KCC banks on inputs access to boost milk output
Dairy farmers supplying milk at the New Kenya Corporative Creameries, Kitale factory in this file picture. KCC has launched an ambitious project to boost dairy farming by linking farmers to financial institutions for easy access to farm inputs. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- Speaking to the Nation, the firm’s manager in charge of milk procurement, Mr Dominic Menjo, said the project would enable small-scale dairy farmers to purchase breeds that produce more milk.
The New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) has launched an ambitious project to boost dairy farming by linking farmers to financial institutions for easy access to farm inputs.
The programme dubbed Agri Life will enable producers to get insurance, farm inputs from accredited Agrovet shops, transport and extension services so that they concentrate on dairy farming as a commercial enterprise.
Speaking to the Nation, the firm’s manager in charge of milk procurement, Mr Dominic Menjo, said the project would enable small-scale dairy farmers to purchase breeds that produce more milk.
“We have brought together more than 900 artificial insemination service providers strewn across our catchment area with at least 50 service providers helping our dairy farmers to get financial support, insurance and transport at an affordable rate,” said Mr Menjo.
New KCC has contracted more than 54,000 farmers rearing nearly 162,000 dairy cattle, who earned more than Sh5 billion for milk deliveries last year.
Mr Menjo said that with the new arrangement, farmers would be able to use milk delivered to New KCC as collateral if they wish to increase their herds.
