Dairy farmers across the country are eyeing better earnings following the government’s plan to lower the cost of sexed semen from Sh4,000 to Sh1,000.
This was announced by President William Ruto, who said the move is aimed at improving the dairy sector by cutting production costs.
Speaking during the 10th Meru Cooperative Union Dairy Annual Farmers Field Day in Meru County on Saturday, Ruto said the price changes will take effect beginning July 1, 2025.
“Starting 1st of July this year, the prices of sexed semen will go down to Sh1,000 from Sh4,000. I don’t want to hear that farmers are being overcharged. Let’s maintain the price so as to support our farmers,” said Ruto.
“This will ensure that when farmers serve their animals the seed, they are sure that the calf will be of quality. My plan is to ensure that we increase agricultural yields through milk. Some farmers have been complaining about the high prices, but now you have the chance to transition from the cheap seeds that often lead to guesswork to sexed semen, which guarantees you quality produce,” he added.
Sexed semen, also known as gender-sorted semen, allows farmers to choose the sex of their calves, with up to 90 percent accuracy for producing heifers.
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It’s a boost for dairy farms looking to expand herds quickly, improve genetics faster, ease calving, reduce biosecurity risks, and boost profits through the sale of quality replacement heifers.
The latest price reduction follows a similar review in June last year, which saw the cost of sexed semen drop from Sh8,000 to Sh3,000.
In his address during Madaraka Day celebrations in Bungoma, President Ruto ordered the cost of sexed semen to be reduced from Sh8,000 to Sh3,000.
“I have directed that the cost of sexed semen be brought down from Sh8,000 to under Sh3,000, which will enable dairy farmers to increase the production and productivity of milk,” said Ruto.
The Head of State observed that the annual value of milk production has grown from Sh40 billion in 2022 to Sh59 billion last year, a clear sign of robust growth in the sector.
Additionally, reforms in agriculture have yielded results and raised farmers’ earnings from Sh35 a litre in 2022 to the current Sh50.
“I am impressed that farmers are now selling their milk at Sh50 a litre compared to Sh35 in the recent past,” the President added.
