Nandi residents have been urged to embrace Artificial insemination (AI) services for high sustained milk production in the County.
Speaking when he officially opened a consultative forum for all AI stakeholders and partners meeting in Kapsabet, Nandi County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Mr Willy Too asked farmers to abandon the traditional fertilization method of using bulls and shift to the modern AI services which he said is an effective and surest way of improving breeds, ‘’we want to appeal to our farmers to change the attitude of getting 10 litres from 10 animals to 20 litres from one animal ‘’ added Too.
Recently the National government established a liquid nitrogen centre in Eldoret to promote the use of AI service by farmers. In addition, Nandi County government has allocated Ksh.18 million to roll out the AI programme including subsidies and establishment of infrastructure for the 30 milk coolers from the National government in the 30 Wards in the County, added Too.
Mr Too further added that the County government was in process of renovating all cattle dips for disease eradication and control, adding that the improved road network had enabled farmers transport their products and access services.
Moreover, he urged farmers to embrace technology including mobile services to disseminate and access information on farming, adding that the department was in process of installing a system where farmers could access information on provision of AI services and any other relevant information.
The County has also been applauded for initiative. Dr David Kios lecturer department of Animal Science University of Eldoret and specialist in animal breeding praised the Nandi County government for rolling out the AI service programme adding it was a step in alleviating poverty and improving the livelihood of Nandi residents.
Present also was County Director of Veterinary services Dr Samson Bitok and Small holders commercialization dairy project