Story by Tendai Munengwa
GOVERNMENT interventions in the agriculture sector continue to yield positive results, with Zimbabwe’s dairy industry recording a 7.5 percent increase in milk production during the first quarter compared to the same period last year.
Latest statistics released this week show continued growth in milk volumes, signalling improved performance in the sector driven by favourable policies, improved pasture management and good rainfall.
The Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers confirmed the upward trend, highlighting progress toward national milk production targets.
“We have witnessed 7.5 percent increase in milk production in the first quarter compared to last year. This is attributed to favourable policies being instituted by the government and private sector, like the training programmes and pasture management. We have also received good rains, which provided a conducive environment for dairy cows to produce more milk.
The herd of cattle has also witnessed significant growth of about 7.5 percent, so we are on track to achieve the 130 million litres of milk required annually to meet national requirements,” Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers Policy Officer, Antonnette Chigwe said.
Zimbabwe has been importing several agricultural products, including milk, and the latest growth in the dairy sector is expected to help reduce the import bill.
An economist with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, Dr Prince Kuipa, said the positive trend reflects strengthening performance in agriculture.
“Milk demand has, over the years, been so high compared to supply hence, this demand and supply matrix is being addressed thanks to government and private sector interventions. With the supply by dairy farmers now on the upward trend, we will see the import bill being cut, and this demonstrates that agriculture is growing,” he said.
According to the latest national crop and livestock report, the dairy herd has increased by 7.5 percent to 70 000 cattle, up from 65 000.
