Dairy farmers in the Gichugu area of Kirinyaga County have a reason to celebrate as Rung’eto Farmers’ Cooperative Society, with the support of the County Government, launched its first yogurt product‘Runto Yogurt’. This value addition initiative is a significant milestone for local dairy farmers, marking a shift towards enhancing their earnings and creating sustainable business opportunities within the agricultural sector.
Empowerment through Wezesha Initiative
The launch of Runto Yogurt was supported by Governor Anne Waiguru’s Wezesha empowerment program, designed to uplift local communities by providing the necessary tools and resources for economic growth. The program has installed state-of-the-art yogurt-making equipment at Rung’eto Cooperative, capable of producing up to 200 liters of yogurt per hour. This move aims to facilitate increased income for farmers by transforming raw milk into value-added products, ensuring that local dairy farmers can earn more from their produce.
During the launch event held at the cooperative’s factory in Ngariama Ward, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning, Jackline Njogu, emphasized the importance of value addition in the dairy sector. She stated, “This production line is part of Governor Waiguru’s initiative to increase farmers’ earnings from dairy value addition.” By providing farmers with the resources and training they need to succeed, the county government is actively working to improve the livelihoods of the community.
Rising Production and Earnings
The Kirinyaga County government has implemented various supportive measures to increase milk production and earnings for dairy farmers. Njogu highlighted initiatives such as subsidized Artificial Insemination (AI), provision of quality animal feeds, and training programs on livestock management and diseases. These initiatives have had a significant impact, with daily milk production in the region rising from around 3,000 liters to an impressive 9,000 liters.
The county is home to approximately 90,000 dairy cows, collectively producing an average of 65.3 million liters of milk annually. This impressive figure underscores the potential of the dairy sector in Kirinyaga and the vital role it plays in the local economy. Njogu noted that the cooperative’s focus extends beyond just milk production; they aim to enhance the overall capacity of farmers through training and development initiatives.
The Power of Collaboration
The launch of Runto Yogurt is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the county government and local farmers. The project was funded 70% by the county government and 30% by the Rung’eto cooperative farmers. Njogu explained, “By introducing value addition, farmers are now able to earn more from the same output.” This approach not only boosts farmers’ incomes but also empowers them by creating a sense of ownership over their products.
Moreover, the county government, through the Kirinyaga Investment and Development Authority (KIDA), is committed to marketing the Runto yogurt brand to increase its visibility and distribution across the region. Njogu expressed her vision for the brand: “We envision Runto becoming a household name, and KIDA will assist with marketing efforts to reach more consumers.” This strategic marketing initiative aims to establish a strong presence in the market, thereby increasing sales and revenue for the cooperative.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the county government plans to assist the cooperative in diversifying its product line further. Njogu announced plans to venture into pasteurized milk production, adding another stream of income for local farmers. This diversification strategy aligns with the overarching goal of enhancing economic resilience in the dairy sector.
Dr. John Gachara, the CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries, spoke about the potential for growth in Kirinyaga’s dairy production. He highlighted that with various interventions, including improved breeding programs through subsidized AI and access to quality animal feeds, the county aims to increase the average milk production per cow from 7 liters to 20 liters. Such advancements would not only improve the farmers’ earnings but also contribute to the overall sustainability of the dairy sector.
Voices from the Community
The impact of the yogurt launch is palpable among the members of Rung’eto Cooperative. Joyce Wanjiku, the chairlady, expressed her gratitude for the support received from the county government. “Over the years, we have received essential equipment, from milk coolers to transport haulers and now yogurt-making machines. These contributions reduce post-harvest losses and help us generate more income, which trickles down to our farmers,” she said.
Farmers present at the event shared their optimism for the future. Tabitha Nyaga, a long-time member of the cooperative, reflected on the transformative changes brought about by the county government’s support. “I joined Rung’eto Cooperative from the start, and with the support of the County Government, I have seen a lot of transformation. We used to struggle transporting milk over long distances, often late into the night. Now, the cooperative is just next to my home, which makes everything easier. With the launch of yogurt, I believe the profits will increase, which means better pay for our milk,” Nyaga shared.
This sentiment of hope and enthusiasm echoes throughout the cooperative, highlighting the potential for a brighter future for Kirinyaga’s dairy farmers. The success of the Runto Yogurt launch is just the beginning, and many farmers are eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Conclusion
The launch of Runto Yogurt marks a significant step forward for dairy farmers in Kirinyaga County, showcasing the potential for value addition to transform local agriculture. Through the collaborative efforts of the county government and local cooperatives, farmers are empowered to increase their earnings, diversify their products, and enhance their livelihoods.
As the yogurt product gains traction in the market, the cooperative looks forward to expanding its reach and creating a lasting impact on the local economy. With continued support and innovative initiatives, the future of dairy farming in Kirinyaga looks promising, fostering resilience and growth in the community.
