• Sh500m model farm aims to maximise output and end pastoralism
Image: HANDOUT
An investor has set up a Sh500 million livestock value chain facility in Wajir with the aim of creating smart farming trends to maximise yields.
The North Green Farm in Wagalla, Wajir West constituency, also aims to support livestock farmers to boost incomes and create employment.
The facility will employ hundreds of youth, according to North Green Farm managing director Yusuf Abdinoor.
Abdinoor, who spoke on the sidelines of a pastoral conference in Wajir on Saturday, said his farm only has 7,000 animals out of a capacity of 20,000.
Here, they don't encourage pastoralism but focus on production of quality fodder to feed the animals.
He urged farmers to work together to create a strong value chain that will boost yields for livelihoods.
The investor said the money will be used to establish a strong footprint in quality fodder production to feed the livestock, a venture he hopes will also creates jobs for many youths.
"Our aim is also to create effective channels for farmers in Northeastern to access export markets and create a research opportunity for livestock farming," he said.
He said they were already working with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation to organise farmers with common interest into groups for maximum production, value addition and marketing.
The collaboration with Kalro is also aimed at providing technical support, including modern farming technologies.
A research fund for both scientists and small-scale farmers will also be established to enhance access to the growers so they get modern production inputs and farm implements.
Abdinoor said the farm will be able to cultivate and raise healthy livestock and create greater value addition, while fostering ecological balance and respecting the communities they serve.
"We strive to bridge the gap between modern agricultural practices and traditional wisdom, ensuring the well-being of our investors, customers, employees and the environment," he said.
North Green Farm is already known in the livestock sector for producing a diverse array of drought-resistant fodder.
"Our fodder production practices emphasise sustainable cultivation methods such as organic farming and integrated pest management to ensure both product quality and environmental conservation because their main aim is to change the mindset from livestock pastoralism to smart livestock farming," he said.
Abdinoor said his farm already has an memorandum of understanding with Kalro whereby they will provide technical support to the farm by creating training grounds for interns and attaches from colleges and universities.
The farm is also reaching out to the Wajir county government for support and collaboration to expand.
Abdinoor said they had already received great promises from the county government.
He commended the national government for supporting the livestock value addition industry by reducing the cost of feeds, farm inputs and also prioritising arid and semi-arid lands for support.