Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries Fred Sigor has said that the ministry is committed to increasing Livestock Production in.
Speaking at Kimose sheep, goat and rabbit Breeding Station in Mogotio on Saturday morning, Sigor said that despite the fact that livestock contributes 14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), government still has to put in more resources to ensure that production is boosted.
“Government is investing more in research programmes with a view to coming up with more high yielding breeds, Kimosa is one station that will serve the purpose of breeding Hybrid livestock for purposes of producing high quality livestock products,’’ said Sigor.
While noting that the demand for animal protein was increasing day by day, Sigor called on farmers to take early precautions in order to avoid losing animals during dry spells.
The PS said that although Government has set aside money to purchase animals from farmers during dry season, it was important for them to store fodder crops and harvest water before the start of drought season.
Sigor confirmed that already a Chinese investor has constructed a multi-million slaughter house in Mogotio adding that the firm is expected to start exporting meat products later this year.
He said that establishment of the slaughter house was driven by the fact that Baringo County has great potential in animal production.
Sigor also donated a hay baler and fodder cutter to Kimose Station before touring other Agriculture related projects in Baringo.