adminZimbabwe Emergency Drought Mitigation Operation for Livestock and funded by the Department for International Development.
Under the project, a 50kg bag would be sold for US$6 while proceeds from the sale would be used to rehabilitate and start more livestock projects.
Beitbridge District Livestock Production and Development officer Mr Beven Musongwe yesterday said stockfeeds would be made available to farmers between October this year and February next year.
He said his department, the Veterinary Services and Agriculture and the Rural Extension would play a leading role in carrying out the programme in consultation with ward development committees.
“This programme is aimed at complementing Government efforts in providing stock feeds to the communities in drought affected areas.
“You will note that Beitbridge has a total of 103 000 cattle that are at risk from drought and this initiative will go a long way in assisting the farmers,” said Mr Musongwe.
He said the district was allocated 930 tonnes of stock feeds through the Government Drought Relief and Mitigation programme.
These are being sold at various ward centres for $11 and have managed to save most of the livestock from the devastating effects of drought.
“Under the FAO programme which is being implemented by World Vision, we will also have activities such as disease control and water points’ rehabilitation.”
Mr Musongwe said close to 9 000 head of cattle had been moved out of the district because of the drought situation.
Online Reporter