Siaya county government yesterday distributed chicks worth Sh4million to farmers in East Ugenya ward as part of its efforts to boost poultry production in the area.
Speaking while presiding over the event, the County Executive Committee member for agriculture, food security, livestock and blue economy, Sylvestre K’okoth said that 400 farmer groups in the area received 10,000 improved kienyeji chicks as part of the ward development project.
K’okoth, who was flanked by the chief officer for agriculture, Elizabeth Adongo, said that prior to the distribution, members of the groups were given a two-day intensive training on poultry management.
The CECM said the programme was part of the county government’s efforts to improve the livelihood of its citizens.
He said that his department will focus on intensive extension services and farmer advisory as part of the efforts to ensure that all donated chicks reach maturity.
“The chicks are worth Sh 4 million. By December this year, if all of them survive, they will be sold at Sh 10 million” said K’okoth.
The Chief Officer for Agriculture, Elizabeth Adongo said Siaya county has a chicken population of 1.2 million birds.
She said that the chicken population was low and attributed this to poor animal management practices and diseases.
The chief officer however said the department was committed to reversing the trend through extension services to farmers.
Addressing the occasion, East Ugenya member of the county assembly, Fredrick Omoro hailed the county government for the initiative which, he added will empower citizens at the grassroots.
Omoro urged the department of agriculture to help educate farmers of feed formulation using locally available materials so as to cut down on feeding costs.
The MCA said that it was their desire to make East Ugenya ward the brooding hub that will supply the rest of the county with improved chicks.
By Philip Onyango
