Sat Oct 05 03:37:13 UTC 2024: ## Dairy Farmer Finds Success with Juncao Grass, a Game-Changer for Kenyan Agriculture
**Nakuru, Kenya** – Sammy Kariuki, a former journalist who traded the microphone for a dairy farm, has discovered a new solution to the age-old problem of high feed costs: Juncao grass. This nutrient-rich and high-yielding grass has revolutionized his farming practices, boosting milk production and bringing down expenses.
Kariuki, like many Kenyan dairy farmers, previously relied on Napier grass and maize stalks, which resulted in limited milk yield. The introduction of Juncao grass, a technology developed in China, has significantly increased his milk production, with his cows now yielding 12-15 liters per day compared to just 5 liters previously.
Juncao grass, which can be used as fodder for animals and a substrate for mushroom cultivation, has been a boon for Kenyan farmers. The grass is drought-tolerant and resilient, making it an ideal solution for a country facing increasing climate change challenges. It also offers a sustainable alternative to imported feed, which has become increasingly expensive due to high taxes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Edwin Wekesa, Project Manager of Juncao Grass Technology Kenya, explains that the company is dedicated to providing affordable and high-quality fodder. Juncao grass is rich in minerals and crude protein, making it a nutritious and cost-effective option for dairy farmers.
The company, established in 2021, currently has a 50-acre plantation and is expanding to other regions of Kenya. Wekesa says they have already supplied cuttings to over 1,000 farmers, creating over 500 jobs in the process.
The success of Juncao grass in Kenya is a testament to the potential of innovative agricultural solutions to address challenges like feed shortages and climate change. As more farmers adopt this technology, it could significantly impact the dairy industry and contribute to a more sustainable and profitable future for Kenyan agriculture.
First Piper 