Kikuube dairy farmers decry low milk prices

KIKUUBO – Dairy farmers in Kikuube district are concerned over the continuous decline of milk prices, saying the enterprise is no longer profitable.

Charles Rwobushesi, a dairy farmer in Kyarushesha village in Butoole parish, Kikuube district who supplies his milk to Kyangwali Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Society, said prices being offered are very low.

Calling for government intervention, Rwobushesi noted a litre of milk has come down from between Shs 800-900 to between Shs 600 -700.

He noted the low milk prices cannot even cover the cost of inputs such as drugs, labour, fodder, and food supplements that boost milk production.

James Kanyakole, another dairy farmer in Kikuube district also appealed to the government to intervene and get them a better market, saying it would help farmers transform their livelihoods.

Julius Kwesiga Karazi, the manager of Kyangwali Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Society attributed the drop in the prices to the increasing milk production in the district.

He attributed the increase in the production of milk to good weather, enough pasture, and sensitisation of farmers on best practices for managing dairy animals.

According to him, the cooperative collects 500-600 litres daily from the farmers.

He also attributed the drop in milk prices to the ban which was imposed on Ugandan milk by Kenya, adding that Kenya has been providing a good market for Ugandan milk.

However, he challenged farmers to remain calm, adding that as milk traders, they are engaging the government to look for regional markets.

Kikuube resident district commissioner, Amlan Tumusiime commended farmers for embracing agriculture, adding that farming is the best way to go in fighting poverty in the country.

He called on the farmers in the district to utilise the milk plant run by the cooperative, saying it stands a better chance of getting good prices than individual farmers.

Tumusiime said he would request President Museveni to visit Kyangwali Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Society during his planned wealth creation tour in Bunyoro Sub-region.

https://thecooperator.news/prices-of-foodstuffs-rise-in-kikuube-district/

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