Industry Leaders Unite to Secure Animal Feed Supply

Industry Leaders Unite to Secure Animal Feed Supply

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By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI (EDITOR)

The COUNTY DIARY NEWS 

ANIMAL FEEDS: Jonathan Mueke is principal secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department for Livestock Development, Kenya , with other stakeholders during  a press briefing .PHOTO/MAXIMILLA WAFULA 

In a landmark meeting today, industry leaders and key stakeholders convened to tackle the critical issue of ensuring a stable supply of animal feed. The primary objective was to create a robust strategy for producing and distributing 55 million metric tonnes of feed annually, equivalent to 2.6 billion bales of hay, while also preparing for potential droughts.

In his keynote address, PS Mueke Jonathan emphasized the urgent need to ensure a stable animal feed supply by aiming to produce 55 million metric tonnes annually, called for unified collaboration across sectors, supported the Land Commercialization Initiative, advocated for adjustments in funding models and GMO support, and stressed the importance of addressing invasive species to ensure the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector, he said.

The meeting highlighted the need for a unified approach, with collaboration among feed manufacturers, researchers, government officials, and land custodians being essential for meeting production goals. Key initiatives discussed included the Land Commercialization Initiative, which seeks to utilize public land for private sector feed production, and adjustments to funding and policy to better support feed producers.

Advocacy for GMOs was also a focal point, as the government supports their use to lower feed costs despite ongoing legal challenges. Additionally, the meeting addressed concerns over invasive species impacting rangelands, emphasizing the need for research-driven solutions.

Immediate action plans were set, focusing on implementing the discussed strategies and tracking progress on key milestones. The meeting concluded with a strong call for continued cooperation to ensure the sustainability and success of the livestock sector, with gratitude extended to all participants for their dedication and insights.