Story by Providence Maraneli
Government has availed more than 15 000 tonnes of silage to livestock farmers, who have been hard-hit by the El Nino-induce drought.
As the scorching heat ravages Matabeleland South Province under the weight of the El Nino-induced drought, both human lives and livestock are under threat.
Across the plains of Silikwe River, Mr and Mrs Ncube are sweating to extract water from the sand for their herd of 12 cattle.
“We get water from the sand and we are struggling to water our herd of twelve, this drought is too much. Sometimes the water does not come out, we need help,” said the couple.
“This year is bad, if cattle are dying at this rate in September what about in October? The situation is bad, we hope the rains come sooner,” noted a villager.
All hope is however not lost after the government availed more than 15 000 tonnes of silage for rural communities which is ready for collection in Kwekwe.
“As government, we have availed 15 000 tonnes of silage in Kwekwe, and we have allowed all rural farmers in Region 5 to access the feed, yes GMB is helping with transportation but moving 15 000 tonnes means a lot, so we have said farmers can organise themselves and hire trucks. We are also mobilising ZINWA to upscale its borehole drilling program in drought-hit places,” said Deputy Minister of Lands Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Davis Marapira.
This comes after Gwanda and Insiza districts were reported to have lost 900 cattle in one week to drought.
The distribution of silage under the Presidential Drought Mitigation Programme is ongoing in centres like Gungwe in Gwanda, Ndiweni in Bulilima and Avoca in Insiza having already received a feed.
