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ZIMBABWE Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed milk processing giant Dairibord Zimbabwe Private Limited is looking to capacitate farmers in key areas of the production value chain in a move that targets to boost production and ultimately milk volumes for the company.
In the financial statement for the year ended 31 December 2022, company chairman Mr Josphat Sachikonye said the company would be providing support to farmers in critical areas, which include feed formulation and nutrition, veterinary support, herd growth projects and input procurement facilities.
“The business aims to continuously grow volumes of high quality raw milk through our milk supply development unit (MSDU),” said Mr Sachikonye.
Raw milk utilised for the year by the company was 28, 5 million litres representing a four percent rise from production for 2021 and representing 34 percent of the total intake by processors.
According to the dairy services unit of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), national raw milk production grew by five percent in the first quarter of 2023 to 22, 6 million litres compared to the same period last year.
The development comes at a time the Government is calling on the private sector to participate in agricultural value chains to drive the growth of the sector.
The company is therefore pushing to enhance sustainability in production by looking at alternative energy options, as erratic electricity continues to disrupt operations and affect costs of production.
“Cost containment and cost reduction through improved productivity and efficiencies are key focus areas to improve profitability,” said Mr Sachikonye adding that they would continue to engage in strategic partnerships and explore initiatives for alternative energy models and efficient production methods.
The dairy sector has significantly contributed to agriculture sector’s transformation, which is critical for boosting growth for the country’s agro-based economy.
Meanwhile, the Government has also lined up programmes such as the Presidential silage input scheme and the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Silage programme to assist farmers with feed.
In addition, the Government continues to support the dairy industry in order to meet both national demand of 120 million litres thereby cutting on the import bill and positioning the country for the export market.
“The focus for all dairy value chain actors is on rebuilding the dairy and I would like to assure you that the Government will continue to support the dairy industry operations and developments,” Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos Said recently.
Online Reporter