By George Munene

The government is targeting an increase in the current Sh33 minimum milk buying price to encourage improved production by farmers. Poor rains across the country and the high cost of feed have contributed to dwindling milk supplies, which have fallen short of meeting the existing demand.

"The newly embarked on regulations within the dairy sector will in time lead to improved production from our farmers as they will now be guaranteed a return on their investment. As the demand for milk continues to outstrip its supply we have resolved to review the existing minimum milk buying price. This will be continually done every six months, adjusting to prevailing market conditions," said Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya at a field day at the University of Embu on Friday. 

Related News: New drought tolerant forage pearl millet increases milk by 30%

Related News: Dairy farmers enjoy record year milk prices

At the event organised by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), Munya pointed out that with proper stewardship of the dairy sector, Kenya has the capacity to produce enough milk to supply the local market as well as becoming a major player in its export.

KDB Managing Director Margaret Rugut informed that the parastatal had trained over 100 dairy farmers in Embu in an effort to improve on the current 45 million litres produced by the county's farmers which is well below the current demand.

Related News: KALRO commercializes grass varieties that increase milk by 15 to 40 %

"However, we have observed an improvement in the quality of milk produced by farmers after constructing a milk laboratory in Embu Town, " she said.

Rugut assured farmers that the board was working to put up more coolers across the county which has been a major complaint raised by dairy farmers.