By TCD TEAM
The Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Hon. Jonathan Mueke, has called on farmers in semi-arid areas to embrace fodder production as a sustainable business and a key solution to recurring drought challenges.
Speaking through his social Media pages , the PS said there is a growing pressure for dry seasons place on livestock keepers, PS Mueke noted that fodder is always in high demand whenever rains fail. He emphasized that farmers who produce and store hay, silage, and crop residues are not only cushioning pastoralists against losses but are also tapping into a reliable and profitable market.
“Every dry season reminds us that fodder is a critical commodity. Those who prepare in advance are able to support the livestock sector while earning a steady income,” he said.
The PS highlighted fodder production as a practical entry point into the livestock value chain, particularly for farmers, youth, and agribusiness players in arid and semi-arid regions. He added that investing in fodder strengthens climate resilience by ensuring feed availability during drought periods, reducing livestock deaths and distress sales.
Hon. Mueke encouraged young people to view fodder farming as a viable agribusiness, noting that it requires manageable capital, utilizes available land efficiently, and aligns with the government’s agenda on climate-smart agriculture.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote fodder production, value addition, and market linkages, saying such efforts are essential for building a resilient livestock sector and improving livelihoods in dryland areas.
ENDS///
