Milk prices hike as production dwindles

NYAGATARE/GATSIBO - Milk production has reduced by 25% in the districts of Kayonza, Nyagatare and Gatsibo, leading to a slight rise in milk prices.The prices have risen by Rwf50 up from Rwf200 a month ago. Fred Muhire, the manager of UDAMACO- Farmers’ Business Cooperative attributed the reduction of milk production to the current dry spell. “Due to the dry season many farmers cannot access enough water for their cattle, which has contributed to milk reduction in the three districts. The other issue is a reduction of the number of cattle that farmers currently own due to new modern farming methods,” he said. Muhire estimated that a cooperative that used to supply 3000 litres of milk a day, is now supplying only 1000 litres due to scarcity. This, he said, causes delays in supplying milk because farmers wait until they collect the required quantity. “Farmers have shifted days of supplying milk because of the scarcity. And this creates price hikes,” he said. Ends