The State will construct three production facilities to enhance storage of semen across the country. This is aimed at boosting dairy industry productivity. The nitrogen processing plants will assist in reduction of cost of procurement of the sperms by the farmers and enhance timely use.
The facilities will be set up in Meru, Nyandarua and Eldoret at a cost of about Sh100 million. The funds are part of Sh2.5 billion World Bank project to boost dairy productivity under Eastern Africa Agricultural Productivity Project programme that ends early next year.
Launching the 2014/15 phase at Kilimo House Monday, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries minister Felix Koskei said the project will have benefited more than 100,000 farmers in 33 sub counties by next year. It will also increase productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
During the launch Mr Koskei flagged off 19 motor vehicles and eight motorcycles worth Sh48 million to be used in 22 sub-counties. “This transport boost will upscale technology transfer and reach more farmers,” said Koskei. Project coordinator in Kenya Jane Muriuki said storage of semen has been a big headache to veterinary officers and farmers.
