The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
The engagement with Kalro will see Palapala become the only certified goat farmer in Kakamega county, whose farm will serve Kalro satellite demo farm.
Edwin Palapala from Ikolomani sub-county in Kakamega County is a happy dairy goat farmer.
A few weeks ago, Palapala got a call from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) officials with sweet news.
Apparently, the research institution had read about Palapala dairy goats farming in The Smart Harvest and Technology on February 16, 2019 and were impressed by his venture.
“The officers from Naivasha dairy research institute called to relay the good news. They said they were impressed by my project and wanted to make an order for Saanen goat. This is one of the best breeds for milk. I agreed to sell them at least five at Sh23, 000 each,” says Palapala.
As agreed, the officers from Kalro visited the 39-year-old’s farm to sample how he was running it.
Visit of a lifetime
“They inspected my farm and were happy with my management style. In fact, they offered me a long-term contract that will see the institution help me expand my venture into a modern model dairy goat farm,” Palapala says.
They also bought 20 goats.
Ruth Wainana, the researcher from Kalro Naivasha who made the contact, was impressed by Palapala’s dairy goat project after reading the story in The Standard on Saturday and wanted to partner with him to scale it up.
“She was impressed by the way I feed, vaccinate and keep an inventory of my goats and told me they would like to empower me so that I can upscale production and partner with them in producing pedigree breed and reaching out to as many farmers as possible.”
The team from Kalro was also impressed by his dairy structures and the hygiene standards.
The engagement with Kalro will see Palapala become the only certified goat farmer in Kakamega county, whose farm will serve Kalro satellite demo farm.
Kalro–Naivasha has embarked on importing pedigree bucks (male goats) from the Netherlands for cross-breeding with Saanen does (female goats) bought from Palapala’s farm.
Capturing the eye of a national research institution and securing a deal with them is not a small feat.
“For me, this means that all things are possible. It means a village farmer like me can breed goat to acceptable standards so long as he or she is committed and focused,” says Palapala.
But what’s his secret to success?
Mr Palapala believes the civil engineering and business administration courses he studied at college have contributed immensely to his success as a farmer and business entrepreneur.
Despite the lucrative deal, he remains focused and committed to his local clients.
“I have market for other breeds I keep on the farm besides the Saanen breed and will continue rearing them,” says Palapala.
During the first interview with the breeder, Palapala’s well reconciled financial records indicated he had made Sh1.5 million from the goats business in the last three years. The figures have since shot up.
His herd has increased from initial 45 goats, with does (female goats) having increased to 35 up from 20 and bucks rose from four to eight and several kids (juvenile goats) of both sexes.
Depending on the size, Palapala sells does at between Sh23, 000 and Sh30, 000. Bucks cost between Sh20,000 to Sh50,000 each again depending on size and age.
Social media remain Palapala’s strong market platform which has seen researchers, students and locals flock his small farm either to learn or buy goats.
Besides the Saanen breed, Palapala also rears Toggenburg from South Africa, Alpine from France and Boer also from South Africa.
Nutritionists say goat meat is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high in Vitamin B12 so it helps beat stress and depression.
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
Fighting Fall Army Worm KALRO
Seed production bulking to address the challenge of livestock feed
Improving vegetables production through smart agriculture technologies
New maize variety to cut costs for farmers
Causes and solutions of pecking in flock of birds
Vihiga farmers minting money from African leafy vegetables
How Maiyanat community is restoring their land from invasive cactus species
Forget pastoralism! Agri prenuer shines with poultry project in Wajir
join 