By Faith Karimi
Meru Central Dairy Co-operative Union recently held its 7th Annual Meru Dairy Famers’ field day at Meru Gitoro ASK grounds, where over 25,000 farmers were trained on modern dairy farming practices.
Over 150 exhibitors attended the event—the county Governor Hon. Kiraitu Murungi and Hon. Harry Kimatai, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Livestock, graced the event, whose theme was: training farmers on commercial dairy farming.
Farmers interacted with other dairy farmers and exhibitors and invited guests to learn more about modern ways of good animal health and husbandry, Feed and Fodder management, Breeding and record-keeping, among other things.
Since 1994 the Union has been providing quality Artificial Insemination (AI) services. Through its Extension Services Department, the Union has developed a breeding strategy that has immensely supported farmers improve on animal genetics, increasing milk production, fastening animal growth, and eradicating poverty.
Meanwhile, the Union scooped the country’s best-managed marketing society during the 100th Ushirika Day celebrations held in KICC Nairobi. The event was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who praised co-operatives for promoting economic development in the country.
The Union, which produces the popular Mount Kenya Milk brand, emerged as the second runners-up to win the trophy for Best Managed Marketing Society.
Through visionary leadership, the Union has immensely helped farmers improve their milk production by providing extension services such as Artificial Insemination to enhance the breeds with the high milk production capacity, thus guaranteeing them high returns and financing from financial institutions.
The Union has also made significant strides towards becoming a milk processing leader in Kenya and beyond by investing in farmers’ education and training to ensure proper feeding for their dairy cows as well as providing them with seeds for high-quality fodder.
