Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’s dairy sector has started the year on a strong note after recording a 3% rise in milk output to over 9,7 million litres in January.
According to the latest official data released by the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers this Monday, milk output for the month under review was pegged at 9,7 million litres, compared to 9,5 million litres the same month last year.
With the focus on achieving a target of above 120 million litres in 2025 from 114 million litres the previous year against a national requirement of 130 million litres, the dairy sector is confident of a continuous growth trajectory.
“The target for this year is over 120 million litres, this is definitely achievable taking into account the persistent growth in output that has seen us being on an towards trajectory. Going forward the sector is looking at what can be done to sustain current gains including the need to capacitate the farmers leading to continuous growth which is an element that will further set the tone towards self-sufficiency for Zimbabwe,” Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust chairperson, Mr Themba Mutsvairo said.
With dairy related imports falling due to growth in the availability of locally manufactured products on domestic shelves, Zimbabwe is also expected to benefit from a favourable balance of payments position.
“Since 2018 there has been largely an improved availability of locally produced dairy commodities, this is something that is reflecting the resilience of the dairy sector, the trend has also resulted in reduced dairy imports, a further testimony that the nation is on track to eventually reach a point where the commodity will not be imported, so going forward it is up to the relevant authorities to focus on tangible systems to consolidate current gains,” Buy Zimbabwe General Manager, Mr Alois Burutsa.
Since 2018, the Second Republic has supported the dairy sector through interventions aimed at reducing costs, boosting viability and easing custom duty for strategic raw material imports, among others.
The dairy industry is considered strategic in terms of sustaining milk production processing chains.
The trend has resulted in government focusing on engagements with dairy farmers with a view to solving challenges and focusing on long-term viable interventions.
