The Dairy Research Institute in Naivasha, a division of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), has announced plans to triple its fodder production and double its livestock numbers in the coming years.
The initiative will see the institute expand its cultivation of Lucerne from the current 165 acres to 500 acres to meet the feeding needs of its livestock growing-population at its expansive 3,000-acre farm.
According to the institute's Director, Dr Samuel Mbuku, these goals will be achieved by upgrading and expanding the farm's irrigation system to enhance Lucerne production, which has been identified as a key ingredient for boosting livestock productivity.
Speaking during a field event in Naivasha, Dr Mbuku said the institute would also harness Artificial Insemination (AI) technology to increase livestock numbers and improve production, all aimed at strengthening internal revenue streams amidst dwindling government funding. "Within the next few years, we plan to triple our Lucerne cultivation from the current 165 acres to 500 acres and double our livestock numbers to boost our earnings," said Dr Mbuku.
