Story by Grace Sibanda
THE stock feed manufacturing and supply industry has grown exponentially, owing to increased demand in the wake of the El Nino induced drought.
Having run out of grazing land on her farm, Matabeleland South livestock farmer, Mr Kerry Stewart has invested in a stockfeed making machine.
It is an option born out of desperation but with remarkable success in taking care of the national herd.
“The region where we are at in Matabeleland South has recorded very low rainfall, and stock feed is the only way to go.
“We have realised that even trees can make good stock feed, hence our livestock are doing well despite the drought,” said Mr Stewart.
While the El Nino induced drought has affected many farmers across the country, the stockfeed manufacturing industry has recorded exponential growth, with players citing their readiness to meet demand for stock feed.
“We have recorded a rise of sales in the stock feed industry as more farmers are incorporating feed for their livestock, although some farmers are showing signs that they delayed in introducing feed to their animals, however the uptake has greatly increased,” said Sunset Marketing livestock consultant, Mr Bonolo Noko.
“Sales have increased by 90% from last year up to the last half of the year and we are prepared to supply the growing demand for livestock so that we save the national herd,” said the Marketing Director for National Foods, Mr Swys Viviers.
Stock feed manufacturers and suppliers have been applauded for adopting new drought survival mechanisms that cater to the needs of Zimbabwean farmers in their different environmental climates.
“As a farmer and as the Zimbabwe Herd Book, we have seen our stock feed manufacturers rising to the occasion and producing surplus feed to meet the various needs of the farmers.
“We have seen introduction of new products such as the salt, and it will go a long way in saving our livestock,” said the chairperson for the Zimbabwe Herd Book, Ms Anne Cooke.
Efforts by stock feed manufacturers to meet the national stock feed demand will go a long way in the preservation of the national herd in the face of the El-Nino induced drought.
