The government has urged dairy farmers to form cooperatives to benefit from a larger market and increased income.
While addressing the press in his office, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Simon Chelugui said that the lack of proper structures has been a hindrance to the assistance provided by the government.
“By joining cooperatives, small agricultural producers will have access to various services such as improved market access, resources, information, credit, training and storage facilities,” he said.
He noted that the government supports cooperatives formed by women and youth groups through initiatives like the Kenya Industrial Estates, Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Uwezo Fund.
Chelugui said that well-managed cooperatives have the potential to address market challenges, agricultural extension services and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
The Kenya Dairy Board is relying on the cooperative model to eliminate brokers and transporters in the dairy sector and allow farmers to directly engage with processors.
According to him, the government is also working on new policies and governance structures to increase milk production and contribute to the country’s GDP.
By Amos Kerich
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