Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT is strengthening climate-proofing measures in the livestock sector by expanding silage production programmes to cushion farmers against the anticipated effects of the forecast El Niño weather pattern during the 2026/27 summer cropping season.
With the winter season drawing to a close and grazing conditions deteriorating, farmers are being encouraged to increase stockfeed reserves to protect their livestock during the lean period.
Silage production has become a key strategy in building resilience against climate change, with farmers embracing the initiative to ensure continued livestock productivity.
George Morse Farm manager, Mr Mkhululi Dube, said silage production is helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while supporting sustainable livestock production.
“We are responding to climate change by embracing silage production. Even when maize is not readily available, silage enables us to sustain livestock production. We have heeded government’s call to climate-proof the sector,” he said.
Government regards livestock production as a critical pillar of the agricultural sector and is prioritising improved fodder availability, enhanced dairy farming practices and support for smallholder farmers.
Speaking to ZBC News, farmer, Mr Paul Ellerman said silage programmes have proved beneficial in addressing feed shortages caused by adverse weather conditions.
“Silage programmes are a positive initiative because they help farmers prepare for drought and other climate-related challenges,” he said.
To strengthen national preparedness, the Presidential Silage Inputs Scheme is supporting smallholder livestock farmers as part of efforts to build a more resilient agricultural sector, improve food security and increase rural incomes.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said Zimbabwe’s national herd, estimated at 5.7 million cattle, must be protected through increased feed availability during the expected El Niño season.
He said Government is identifying drought-prone wards that face critical feed shortages and will establish ward-based drought mitigation centres where silage will be distributed to vulnerable livestock farmers.
“We must preserve our national herd of about 5.7 million cattle as we prepare for the anticipated El Niño season. Silage production remains one of the most effective ways of ensuring adequate livestock feed during the lean period. Government is identifying drought-prone wards with critical feed shortages and will establish ward-based drought mitigation centres to distribute silage and protect livestock,” said Professor Obert Jiri.
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has also stressed the need to strengthen agricultural production ahead of the forecast 2026/27 El Niño season.
“It is pleasing that our country’s economy remains on a positive growth trajectory. The need to bolster agricultural production and productivity, particularly ahead of the predicted 2026-2027 El Niño weather conditions, cannot be ignored,” he said.
Under the National Development Strategy 2, the Government continues to invest in programmes aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector as a key driver of economic growth.
