Farmers in Kikuyu sub-county have reason to smile after the Ministry of Livestock Development delivered milk coolers in the area for preserving their milk before selling.
Speaking in her office on Monday, the Deputy Livestock Production Officer in Kikuyu Sub-County Ms Peninah Wanja, said that her department had recently received and would install milk coolers that will be used for the preservation of milk that is produced by farmers.
She noted milk coolers provide a more convenient storage solution as it’s able to keep the milk cooler than in a typical refrigerator, meaning it will last longer and reach its recipient in a more refreshing state.
Ms Wanja further said that cooling greatly contributes to the quality of milk on the farm as it slows down the growth of bacteria in the milk, thereby greatly improving its qualities.
“Efficient cooling of milk directly after production, in conjunction with good milking hygiene makes it possible to deliver good quality milk, provided the milk container is well insulated,” she added.
The officer also noted that her department aimed at promoting the rearing of local breeds of chicken and has in the last two months already distributed over 2,000 birds to farmers under the Karai Ndeiya Food Security Programme.
Ms Wanja observed that 500 chicks were supplied to farmers last week and with this kind of measures in place, they intend to come up with a model village in Karai where farmers can visit for learning purposes.
She said another major activity they were venturing into was the farming of dairy goats under which 80 farmers have received two goats each which she said were meant to empower the farmers through their produce.
The Deputy Livestock Promotion officer stated that her office will be involved in many more projects that will spearhead the empowerment of the Kikuyu sub-county farmers.
The officer further advised the farmers to take advantage of the free training from government departments before venturing in farming in order to avoid losses and be able to sustain their activities.