News Categories: Agriculture and Cooperative Development

11 Mar
By: Remmy Butia 0

SUGAR SECTOR HIGH LEVEL MEETING HELD IN KISUMU COUNTY

The Sugar Industry High Level Consultative Meeting was today held at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, Kisumu to deliberate on matters affecting sugar industry. Participants at the meeting included H.E Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri, H.E Stephen Sang Governor Nandi, H.E Wycliffe Oparanya, H.E Okoth Obado, Governor Migori, Ps. Prof. Hamadi Boga, Nandi County Assembly Speaker Joshua Kiptoo, Agriculture CEC Dr. Kiplimo Lagat, Chemelil Chemase Ward MCA Hon. Hillary Serem, Senators, Members of Parliament, MCA’s, Privatization Commission and other leaders from the sugarcane growing areas. The following were resolved;

1. THAT in view of the urgent need to revitalize the public mills and the industry at large, the Privatization Commission identifies strategic partners in the next 120 days ;

2. THAT County Government represent the interests of farmers in matters of Privatization;

3. THAT a special Committee be set up by the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock Fisheries and Irrigation to come up with a revival strategy for the revitalization of Mumias Sugar Company.

4. THAT the Sugar Industry Taskforce to complete it’s work within the next 14 days.

5. THAT the remaining 808 million owed to farmers be captured in the supplementary budget.

6. THAT the Ministry of Agriculture , Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation to provide leadership in bringing together the relevant government departments and agencies to address the financial requirements of the Public Sugar Companies , particularly debt write off.

7. THAT the Sugar Act be reinstated to provide for independent sugar regulatory body and sugar resource body ;

8. That the Sugar Regulations be gazetted to provide a conducive business environment for the sugar sector.

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10 Mar
By: juliter jepkinyor 0

WORKSHOP FOR VALUE CHAIN ACTORS ON DATA COLLECTION TO BE USED IN SIVCAP

Th Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) is a 5 year programme that runs from 2017 to 2022, funded by the Swedish government through SIDA. Whose goal is to contribute to Transformation of crop, livestock and fishery production into commercially oriented enterprises that ensure sustainable food and nutrition security.

In order to implement ASDSP II which is the continuation of ASDSP I The County Department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development in conjunction with Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) conducted a four day workshop whose aim was to collect data from the Value Chain Actors drawn from the four prioritized value chains; Cow milk, maize, fish and indegineous chickens that will be used in developing Strategic and integrated value chain action plan (SIVCAP).

While Officially opening the workshop, Chief Officer for Agriculture Wilson Lelei said that Strategic and Integrated Value Chain Action plan (SIVCAP) is the blue print in ASDSP II implementation with a view to ending poverty, hunger and ensure food and nutrition security through identification of opportunities and implementation of high impact innovation.

It illustrates the critical problems that hinder commercialization of agriculture (as informed by the Four priority value chains) in pursuit of economic development and food and nutrition security. SIVCAP is also meant to capture all the activities that the department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development intends to do in the next five years.

ASDSP II is designed to adhere to principles of inclusivity, simplicity and flexibility which are necessary for sustainability of prioritize value chains. It is aligned with the Constitution, Agricultural Policy, the new Swedish Strategy for Development Cooperation and other regional and global goals. It is also expected to consolidate the gains of ASDSP I an example is setting up of Nandi County Dairy Cooperative Union and 240 value chains, address the challenges of income, food and nutrition security ,unemployment and commercialization of prioritized value chains.

There are four key results that the ASDSP wants to achieve at the end namely;increased productivity of priority value chain,strengthened enterpreneural Skills of priority VCAs, Improved access to market by value chains actors and strengthened structures and capacities for consultation, collaboration,cooperation and coordination in the agricultural sector.

From the data collected at the workshop it showed that there is an estimate 1,110,830 indegineous chickens with 14,996,205 egg production and an average production per unit value chain actor of 7. For fish it showed that there is an average fish population of 1,550,000, number of fish ponds per value chain actor is 1 pond and fish area under prioritized value chain actors is (46.5ha)

When it comes to livelihood assessment Nandi county is below the poverty line in all the four value chains, in the few calculations done fish farming outshined the other value chains, hence their is need to work on improving productivity.

There is also need to enhance market access by value chain actors by improving access linkages for prioritized value chain actors,improving access to market information by value chain actors.

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06 Mar
By: Peter Koima 0

Governor Sang Flags Off 30 Tons Maize Seeds To Nandi County Farmers

The County Government of Nandi in collaboration with African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) has today flagged off 30 tonnes of maize seeds to be distributed to identified groups of farmers in all the six sub counties, courtesy of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

County lorries loaded with 30 tons maize seeds moments before the flagging off at the County Head Quarters, Kapsabet.

While flagging off the seeds, the Governor said that his government is committed to ensure that the identified families are food secure for societal economic growth.

This, he says, is in line with his administration agenda of enhancing Nandi county food security after which the administration will focus on high value crops like potatoes, coffee, avocado and tea for income.

Sang said that the mission his administration through the department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development is to transform livelihoods in our county through Agricultural technologies, a Key component in the attainment of Food Security under the President’s Big Four Agenda.

The groups set to benefit through the programme include; the vulnerable, People Living with Disabilities and those living positively with HIV among others.

The certified high quality seeds is for the use by the small holder farmers in the County in support of the food security. The 30 tons of maize hybrid WE1101 is suitable for growing in the mid-altitude areas of Kenya. The County Government also acknowledge David Tarus for his support. #TransformingNandi

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02 Mar
By: Luiz Kipkoech Patrick 0

COUNTY SUBSIDIZED AI PROGRAM PAYING DIVIDENDS

The County AI program that was launched by Governor Stephen Sang during the launch of Nandi County’s BIG FOUR AGENDA on 24th September is beginning to pay dividends and changing lives of many Dairy farmers across the county.

While launching the program, Governor Sang said that his administration was keen on revitalising the dairy sector in the county that had declined.

To ensure that the agenda of improving the sector succeeds, he enumerated the plans that his administration had put in place.

Part of the plans that he has laid out included the launch of subsidized AI services, hiring of AI service providers, renovation of cattle dips, subsidized accaricides, purchase of motorcycles for the service providers, installation of milk coolers across the county and the construction of a Milk processing plant in the county as well as formation and amalgamation of Dairy cooperative societies in the county.

Since the roll out of the AI program, more than 12,000 cows across the county have been served. The types of semen given to farmers include conventional and sexed which are available for Ksh600 and Ksh2300 respectively.

The county hired 30 AI service providers across the county and equipped them with motorcycles that enables them to move within their respective wards with ease.

It also operationalized 60 cattle dips across the county and supplied more than 10000 litres of accaricides.

The county also installed 6 coolers within the county and expects another 24 to be installed. This will reduce wastage of milk as it will guarantee proper storage.

The proposed construction of a milk processing plant is also on course. The county has already identified the land to put up the plant and bidding for the construction is ongoing.

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27 Feb
By: Peter Koima 0

THE GREEN GOLD; COUNTY GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS A 10 METRIC TON COLD ROOM FOR HORTICULTURE FARMERS

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has today officially commissioned a 10 metric ton cold storage facility for French Beans farmers at Kibiok Market, Chepkunyuk ward.

In a function graced by Dutch Ag. Ambassador to Kenya H.E Mertine Uan Hoogstraten, the Governor commissioned the facility which will benefit thousands horticultural farmers in managing and reducing post-harvest losses.

The county boss who was accompanied by his deputy Dr Yulita Mitei, 3 Executive members, 3 COs and a host of MCAs led by the Assembly Deputy Speaker Wilson Sang officiated the commissioning ceremony held at Kibiok ShoMap Market.

In his address, Governor Sang said that French Beans farming is one of the best ventures that perfectly compliment subsistence crop farming. He challenged farmers to diversify and emulate those who have already tried and are reaping heavily adding that his vision is to see canning done at the proposed Nandi Export Processing Zone.

The Governor assured farmers that his administration will continue encouraging farmers to move from subsistence farming to commercialized farming by embracing modern farming methods and diversifying their farming activities.

“As a county, we want to move away from subsistence farming to commercial farming and therefore this facility will go a long way in managing huge harvest of French Beans by reducing post-harvest losses.” added the Governor.

Farmers used the opportunity to testify before the Dutch ambassador how they have been able to make a great fortune out of the ‘Green Gold’.

David Cheruon, a farmer from Tinderet, revealed how he made Ksh 273,000 in six months after investing just Ksh 78,000 in his one acre farm.

Mr. David was elated to further reveal how he managed to sponsor his son to study abroad without fundraising neither for his school fees nor air ticket. “From the cash I made after selling French Beans, I was able to sponsor my son without organizing for any Harambee to study abroad.” said the joyful farmer.

This is the first time farmers are engaged in contract farming with a guaranteed constant year-round price and market. This has been made possible thanks to the MOU signed between Meru Greens and the County Government in 2018.

So far, a total of 850 farmers have been contracted and it is expected that the facility will soon be operating at optimum capacity. According to Meru Greens, a total of 250 tonnes of French Beans have been harvested and exported in less than 7 months.

In the near future, the county government will put up more coolers since the farmers are committed and fired up to plant more French Beans.

Governor Sang appreciated the Dutch government assistance not only through SNV but also through other programs they have supported the county like the milk cooling plants in partnership with the National Government.

On her part, the Netherlands’s Envoy to Kenya appreciated the efforts by the County Government in empowering small-holder farmers in Nandi.

#TransformingNandi

 

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26 Feb
By: juliter jepkinyor 1

CAPACITY BUILDING FOR COOLING PLANTS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

To enhance effective and efficient service delivery to the public there is need for capacity building. On Monday, the County department of Agriculture & Co-operative Development held a training workshop for the Milk Cooling Plants Project Management Committee members drawn from the six sub counties.

Key areas covered include but not limited to Procurement process, Finance and Audit services, Procedure and Requirement in opening and maintaining bank accounts, adhering to the best practices in building of structures and record keeping.

CECM for Agriculture & Co-operative Development Dr.Kiplimo Lagat while gracing the occasion said that the County Government wants her citizens to enjoy the fruits of devolution by empowering them to own projects and ensure they become operational and sustainable.

He urged the committee members to invest in dairy, keep dairy cows that bring profit and dispose those that produce less milk. He added that milk prices will be sorted out when farmers pull together and bulk their milk without selling it raw. 

On her part, the Chief Officer Co-operative Development Dr Benadette Tiony said that 80% of Nandi households depend on dairy thus the need to establish milk coolers in every ward. She noted that Milk Coolers will help improve milk quality and stimulate production since the farmer will see the need to keep dairy cows. She added that her department is working closely with Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) to do away with milk hawking.

Dr. Bernadette encouraged the members to be  committed, trustworthy and selfless in serving the community that elected them.

Also present during the training were CO Agriculture Wilson Lelei, Director Cooperative Development, Procurement, Legal, Finance and KCB bank representatives.

#TransformingNandi

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25 Feb
By: juliter jepkinyor 0

VALIDATION OF DAIRY STRATEGIC PLAN

Dairy farming in Kenya has experienced major improvements over the year as more farmers have realized the importance of looking for better ways to improve their skills and yields. Most farmers who have ventured into this business with high aspirations and relentless drive to see their goals through to the end have recorded massive success since the demand of milk and dairy product is always high. It is even more profitable for those who have been able to add value to their products.

The County Government of Nandi through the Department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development held a workshop with representatives drawn from Nandi County Dairy Farmers Cooperative Union and Kenya Dairy Board to discuss on validation of Dairy strategic plan.

The one day workshop was aimed at getting participants validate the draft dairy strategic plan. This was the final in a series of meetings that have been held which include collection of data at ward level, analysing of the data by dairy stakeholders and validating it. This is to deliberate on the data that will inform the strategies to be adopted by the county in developing the dairy industry.

Dairy Strategic Planning is the management process to creating and executing long term goals and strategy which may also extend to control mechanisms for guiding the implementation of strategy in the dairy sector. With an estimated 5 billion litres of milk produced yearly in the country, Kenya’s dairy industry is one of the largest and sophisticated in Africa. With consumers appreciating the nutritional value of milk, the dairy industry has continuously played a vital role not only in the economy but on the general well-being of Kenya’s population.

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development announced plans to set up a Sh300 million milk processing factory. The move will ensure farmers have a ready market for their produce and help improve the region’s economy. Sh135 million would be invested in improving and expanding the dairy sector while Sh115 million would go towards building the modern milk plant.

Chief Officer for Agriculture Wilson Lelei said the government is into dairy sector and wants to see the dairy sector revived and standing on its feet. He added that his department is offering heifer development, breeding programme, disease control and subsidized AI services; some 45 veterinary extension officers have already been hired to support dairy farmers in the county’s 30 wards. At least 60 cattle dips have been renovated and are operational while another 30 would be revamped this year to curb livestock diseases.

Chief Officer for Cooperative Development Dr. Bernadette Tiony who was also present said that her unit has invested in the dairy value chain saying that one of strategies that will improve milk production is the ongoing installation of milk coolers in all wards.

Currently, dairy industry contributes to 6% – 8% of Kenya’s GDP by virtue of the industry accounting for 14% of agricultural GDP, it has generated upwards of 1 million jobs at farm level, an estimated 500,000 jobs in direct waged employment and an additional 750,000 jobs in support services. The dairy industry thus contributes about USD 2 billion to Kenya’s GDP where stakeholders include farmers, traders, vendors, collection centres, processors and retailers.

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22 Feb
By: Peter Koima 0

COUNTY HOLDS A THREE DAY AGRICULTURAL FIELD DAY FOR FARMERS

The County Government of Nandi through its department of Agriculture & Cooperative Development is holding a three day Agricultural Exhibition Field Day at Ndubusat Centre in Chepkunyuk ward, Nandi Hills Sub-County.

While officially opening the Field Day on Thursday, the CECM Agriculture & Cooperative Development Dr. Kiplimo Araap Lagat launched a Free Livestock Deworming program in collaboration with Sidai Africa Limited; a fully vertically-integrated company supplying quality livestock and crop inputs to farmers.

In his address, Dr Lagat said that the program which compliments the government’s plan of disease control forms part of a bigger picture of ensuring healthy dairy animals in the county.

He added that the objective of the exhibition is to promote new & best agricultural practices to farmers in the ward while demonstrating and training farmers on disease control among other sustainable agripractices.

The area MCA Dr. Paul Sanga appreciated the department of Agriculture for supporting the field and their day to day extension services.

Also present was the director veterinary services Dr. Samson Bitok who urged farmers to make use of the subsidized AI program by the county government to get quality breeds for their animals.

Partners present in the exhibition included Meru Greens, Lelbren Dairies, Sidai, Herbex and Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC).

Agricultural exhibitions are very important and rewarding experience to many farmers as it help them learn and acquire more knowledge and skills in modern agricultural practices.

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12 Feb
By: Peter Koima 1

Update on the Ongoing Capacity Building for the Dip Management Committees (DMCs)

The exercise of empowering DMCs, the elected representatives of member farmers of the cattle dips, through capacity building continued today in Emgwen sub-county after a rigorous and successful training workshops held last week in Mosop, Tinderet and Chesumei sub-counties.

Through the department of Agriculture and Co-operative Development, the County Government is holding a series of workshops in all the six sub-counties to enhance the understanding of Dip Management Committees on their role in implementing cattle dip projects.

With the new policy in force, the department wishes to expedite the construction of new and rehabilitation of dilapidated cattle dips that would otherwise take longer for the Government to implement on its own due to the bottlenecks of procurement procedures.

The Labour-based approach will not only fast-track implementation of projects in the department but also ensure prudent and efficient use of resources thus spending less resources for more projects. #TransformingNandi

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07 Feb
By: Peter Koima 0

Plant Poisoning In Livestock

It has come to our notice that some dairy farmers, in the past few weeks, have lost their livestock in some unclear & mysterious circumstances and we wish to state as follows;

THAT, some plants are naturally poisonous to animals while others can become toxic as a result of periods of prolonged drought.

The latter is as a result of the ability of these plants to concentrate high quantities of nitrates during the drought and especially so when they are young. These plants range from food crops, fodder crops and weeds.

When livestock, especially ruminants feed on such plants, the nitrates are converted into nitrites in the rumen. Some of these nitrites get absorbed into the blood stream through the ruminal wall. Nitrites are highly toxic to the blood and denies oxygen to the affected animal leading to sudden death.

Prevention:
Prevent the animals from accessing the potentially toxic plants. If you suspect nitrate or nitrite poisoning, seek immediate veterinary advice. For our farmers in Nandi please Contact 0722385360

Read more: https://bit.ly/2vdpySs

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