PS Mueke urges dairy farmers to adopt quality-based payment systems to enhance milk quality

The State Department for Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has urged dairy farmers to embrace quality-based payment systems (QBPS) in their co-operatives to improve milk quality and increase earnings.

Speaking during a farmers’ training forum held in Meru County, PS Mueke highlighted that cooperatives adopting QBPS will shift the focus from milk volume to quality, ensuring better returns for farmers.

“Traditionally, many dairy farmers have focused on producing large volumes of milk without considering quality. Now, we must change this habit. By feeding animals a balanced diet and practicing better animal husbandry, farmers can improve butter and protein content, fetching higher prices,” he said.

He noted that quality milk ensures access to better markets and long-term increased returns. Achieving this requires proper animal husbandry, including balanced diets, timely treatments, and vaccinations against diseases.

The PS highlighted that there are over 825 registered dairy co-operatives producing 475,000 litres daily, with dairy farming contributing 4% to Kenya’s GDP. Milk prices have risen from Sh47 to Sh60, a 13% increase, providing a strong incentive for farmers to focus on quality.

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Mueke emphasized that the future of dairy farming will be determined by milk quality rather than quantity. He cited India, the world’s largest milk producer, as an example, where farmers are informed about butter and protein levels and the corresponding payment at milk collection centers.

He added that feed shortages have been driven by farmers prioritizing food crops over fodder, raising feed costs. He revealed that his department plans to lease government lands to large-scale private farmers for fodder production, which will reduce costs.

Farmers raised concerns about the high cost of adopting QBPS, particularly the gadgets needed for milk analysis. Mueke assured them that the government will assist co-operatives by subsidizing the required devices.

“Two milk processors have already adopted QBPS, and their farmers are enjoying better returns for their work,” he added, urging more co-operatives to embrace the system.

By Juma Ndigo and John Majau

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