Farmers in Narok can breathe a sigh of relief after the county government, through Agriculture Sector Development Support Programme Phase Two (ASDSP II) gave them pasture seeds worth Sh1.8 million to boost livestock production in the county.
Speaking during the launch of seeds distribution at Ololulunga area, the County Chief Officer for Agriculture David Ole Letuati said the programme will increase milk and meat production in the county especially during dry seasons.
He said the seeds were purchased from Kenya Seed Company to ensure that they were quality seeds for different regions in the county.
“The Kenya Seed company officials will work closely with the farmers’ groups to train and monitor best farming practices for highest pasture production. We are sure that the seeds are the best for the region,” he said.
The County ASDSP11 Coordinator Vincent Kinyua said the pasture from the seeds will help double milk production from 5 liters per cow to 10 liters per cow per day.
“We hope that the pasture produced from the seeds will help farmers improve their production because as we speak dairy production is 5 liters per cow per day, we are now aiming at 10 liters per day so that our farmers can get huge profits,” he said.
The coordinator called on farmers around the county to join organized groups to be able to benefit from various programmes that the government offers on the ground.
One of the beneficiaries, Solomon Ole Koros lauded the government for pasture seeds saying the pasture will increase the quality and quantity of milk in the area.
“We are proud of our government because they care about the farmers. The pasture from the seeds will not only give us a lot of milk but the product will be very thick with more proteins and nutrients,” said Ole Koros.
During prolonged dry spells, the farmer lamented that they were forced to visit far off places to look for pasture for their animals, but with the introduction of the seeds, the farmers are optimistic that they will have a steady supply of food all the seasons.
Source: Kenya News Agency