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The scheme, together with the one that Nestle launched, has since seen a significant increase in raw milk production Zimbabwe.
Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited managing director Mr Thompson Mabika said the heifers would be imported to augment gains of the first phase.
“We are looking forward to buying at least 250 heifers or even more this year depending on the financial performance so as to boost raw milk production in Zimbabwe which is still on the low side but is picking up,” he said.
Mr Mabika said the 250 heifers, which would bring the total number imported so far to 500, would go a long way in improving raw milk output.
“The scheme is meant to capacitate dairy farmers to produce more, which will in turn give us adequate raw material for our operations,” he said.
Raw milk production declined sharply over the past decade due to the economic and political instability in the country as sanctions that Western countries imposed were taking their toll.
Mr Mabika said low raw milk production resulted in DZL closing its Bulawayo and Mutare plants.
There are 223 registered dairy operations in the country and an estimated dairy herd of about 26 000 animals.
At its peak Zimbabwe produced over 150 million litres of milk annually, exporting into the region and beyond
The company has since halted exports due to reduced raw milk production, a situation which the heifer importation scheme is expected to remedy.
This year Zimbabwe expects to produce 70 million litres of milk, up from 56 million last year, with the figure still falling far short of the national demand of 120 million litres per annum. – New Ziana.
Online Reporter