Dairy farming in Kenya has faced numerous challenges, including high production costs and low milk yields.
However, a breakthrough came when Joseph Kibuu, a veteran dairy farmer, and his friends, John Karia and Burton Githaiga, discovered the transformative power of Super Napier Grass.
This hybrid grass variety, developed by a Thai scientist, has proven to be a game-changer in the industry.
With its exceptional qualities and benefits, Super Napier Grass is revolutionizing dairy farming in Kenya, offering hope to farmers struggling with the cost of production and low milk yields.
Here is the trio’s story as told by WoK.
The Frustration and the Solution
Kibuu’s experience as a dairy farmer was becoming increasingly frustrating in 2019.
Despite investing heavily in feed, milk yields remained disappointingly low.
However, when Kibuu shared his struggles with his friends, Karia and Githaiga, they saw it as a challenge and embarked on finding a solution.
“I have been a farmer for decades now, but it was a frustrating affair. In 2019, I almost hung my boots. I was spending a lot on feeds but the milk yields remained low. I shared this with my close friends, John Karia and Burton Githaiga, who are also veteran farmers,” Mr Kibuu said in an interview with the Standard.
After extensive research, they stumbled upon Super Napier Grass, a hybrid variety known for its exceptional qualities.
Intrigued by its potential, they began propagating and testing this grass, leading to remarkable results that would transform their farming practices and inspire a business opportunity.
The Birth of Maximum Milk Production Solution Africa (MMPSA)
Impressed by the positive impact of Super Napier Grass on Kibuu’s farm, the trio recognized the potential for helping other farmers facing similar challenges.
To maximize this opportunity, they founded Maximum Milk Production Solution Africa (MMPSA), a company focused on researching, propagating, and supplying high-quality fodder to farmers.
In addition to Super Napier Grass, MMPSA also propagates other superior fodder varieties such as Brachiaria, Calliandra, and Improved Kikuyu.
With over 60 acres of Super Napier Grass farms in Thika and Murang’a, MMPSA is making significant strides in transforming the dairy farming landscape.
As the cost of livestock feed continues to increase, Githaiga states that they have received a favorable response to their offering, resulting in orders coming in from as far as Mandera County.
“We normally sell Super Napier Grass in the form of cuttings to dairy farmers who later go and plant this on their farms and many have attested to the fact that it increased their dairy’s milk production,” Karia said.
The Superior Qualities of Super Napier Grass
Super Napier Grass stands out due to its exceptional qualities. Developed through crossbreeding between ordinary Napier grass and millet, it offers numerous benefits to dairy farmers.
This high-yielding and fast-growing grass is rich in nutrients, making it highly nutritive for livestock.
Unlike ordinary Napier grass, Super Napier Grass lacks spikes, making it easier to handle during harvesting. Its drought-resistant nature ensures consistent growth even during challenging climatic conditions.
The Impact on Dairy Farming
Super Napier Grass has proven to be a game-changer for dairy farmers.
With its high protein content and water-soluble carbohydrates, it significantly increases milk production and reduces the need for expensive commercial feed.
Its palatability and smooth leaves eliminate irritation, resulting in healthier and happier cows.
Moreover, the grass can be harvested just three months after planting, with subsequent harvests every 60 days throughout the year.
“So far the demand for this hybrid nappier grass is high because it has a healthy protein content with crude of 16-18 per cent dictated by planting conditions and management levels. It also has water-soluble carbohydrates giving high energy for increased milk production,” Karia says.
“It produces 180- 200 tonnes per acre annually, feeding 15 dairy cows reared per acre and perfectly suitable for silage making,” he explains.
Meanwhile, The success of MMPSA’s venture has been remarkable.
Thousands of farmers in Thika and across Kenya have benefited from the availability of high-quality fodder.
Referrals and strategic marketing efforts, including online platforms like Facebook, have contributed to the growing demand for Super Napier Grass.
MMPSA utilizes Wells Fargo and matatu courier services to ensure countrywide deliveries. As the company continues to expand its reach, it is empowering dairy farmers to overcome the challenges of high production costs and low milk yields, ultimately improving profitability and sustainability in the industry.
