Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has commended Bubi dairy farmer, Mr Francesco Marconati of Queens Dairy Farm, for establishing a complete value chain enterprise, which has ensured a consistent milk supply in Bubi District and surrounding areas.
Located 55 kilometres (km) along the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, the farm currently has a herd of 338 dairy cattle and a milk parlour producing about 600 litres a day. Mr Marconati intends to expand to more than 2 000 dairy cattle by the end of 2026 and become a leading producer as well as processor of milk in the region.
Queens Dairy currently sells one litre of full fresh cream milk at US$1 or US$0,80 per litre for 40 litres and above, while most supermarkets in the country sell one litre at a range of US$1,40 to US$1,70. In a speech read on his behalf by Director of the Department of Livestock Production and Development, Dr Sitokozile Sibanda, at a field day at the farm on Saturday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, commended Mr Marconati for the significant role he was playing in Bubi.
“Queens Dairy’s complete value chain enterprise in Matabeleland North’s Bubi district is an exciting initiative. The district is known for its rich mineral resources and agricultural potential, making it an ideal location for dairy farming and related enterprises,” he said.
“Bubi District has a strong focus on agricultural development, with opportunities for irrigation development, value addition and agro-processing. Given the district’s agricultural potential and support infrastructure, it’s likely that Queens Dairy’s complete value enterprise in Bubi would involve dairy farming, milk processing and possibly other related activities such as cattle breeding and fodder production.”
He said dairy farming plays a significant role in Zimbabwe’s Agricultural Rural 8.0 programme, which aims to attain an upper-middle-income society economy by 2030. Prof Jiri said the programme focuses on transforming the agricultural sector through mechanisation, irrigation development and value addition.
He added: “The Ministry purposely drives the agricultural transformation agenda of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’ in livelihood initiatives. As a region, we lack value chain facilities and sound out-grower support programmes to grow the industry. This initiative is coming at the right time, giving the farming communities an opportune time for making money.”
Online Reporter