Director Livestock Production in the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Julius Kiptarus (in green cap) presenting a 3,000 liters capacity milk cooler. [Photo/KNA] Dairy farmers are set to benefit from 350 milk coolers from the Government in an efforts to boost the practice as well as prevent post-harvest losses, Director Livestock Production Dr Julius Kiptarus has said.
The 3,000 liters capacity coolers procured from Poland will cost Sh2.2billion and will be distributed to nine milk producing counties.
Speaking during the presentation of one of the facilities in Ugweri market in Embu County over the weekend, Kiptarus said 16 coolers have
already been distributed to Kiambu, Embu, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Kirinyaga, Meru and Trans Nzoia Counties.
He said they were receiving 20 coolers every two weeks adding that they hope each county to get at least five coolers.
The official said the facilities will help in reducing post-harvest losses, especially in the evenings in high-temperature areas due to poor storage.
“The coolers will be managed by farmer cooperatives. The farmers will be required to set up a facility where the coolers will be installed, connect it to three-phase electricity and running water and ensure it is secure,” he said.
Once the coolers are filled, milk processors will be required to collect the milk from the said areas.
This comes as a huge boost to dairy farmers in Embu who have been suffering losses due to poor storage of milk that they get in the evening.
It will also streamline the marketing of milk as well as consolidate milk production thereby making farmers get better prices.