Dairy farmers are applauding a local processor’s decision to introduce bonus payouts for delivered milk, citing it as a catalyst for increased production.

More than 20 large dairy groups met in Nakuru where they sated that the bonuses, given for every kilo of milk delivered, have spurred farmers to invest more in the dairy value chain for consistent family income.

Brookside Dairy recently announced a payout of Sh323 million in target rewards for milk delivered during the year, with Sh182 million released for deliveries between June and November, and an additional Sh138 million paid out last June.

Major incentive

Baringo Agricultural Marketing Services Co-operative Societies chairman Samuel Salbei observed that the bonuses are a major incentive for continued dairy investment.

“We are encouraged by this major reform in the industry, where the hard work of farmers is rewarded through bonuses. This is a major incentive to us to continue investing in dairy,” Salbei said. Brookside Dairy’s Regional Manager for Central Rift, Samuel Kariuki, explained that the farmer reward scheme was initiated five years ago to acknowledge the crucial role of raw milk suppliers in the dairy value chain.