Online Reporter
Michael Tome, Business Reporter
DAIRY farmers are appealing for Government assistance in accessing long-term capital to establish large-scale irrigated pastures, as the sector seeks to reduce production costs and increase milk output across Zimbabwe.
Large-scale irrigated pastures offer multiple benefits for the country’s dairy industry, including boosting milk production and helping Zimbabwe meet its domestic milk requirements. This would reduce reliance on imports and promote job creation.
Irrigated pastures would also enable dairy farmers to maintain a consistent food supply for their cattle, reducing dependence on costly imported feed.
As such, dairy farmers have urged the Government and local financial institutions to develop tailored long-term financing facilities to support the establishment of irrigated pastures. This would enhance the sustainability of dairy farming in Zimbabwe.
Milk production in Zimbabwe has grown significantly in recent years, with a national target of 150 million litres by 2025. Current consumption stands at 130 million litres. The country is steadily progressing towards self-sufficiency, with imports of milk powder declining as local production increases.
However, dairy farmers continue to face challenges due to limited access to affordable long-term credit, which restricts their ability to invest in farm improvements. The high cost of feed —accounting for 65 to 75 percent of total expenses — makes it difficult for farmers to maintain profitability. These costs could be significantly reduced through the use of irrigated pastures.
Zimbabwe’s milk production reached 114,7 million litres in 2024, marking a 15 percent increase from the previous year. Despite this progress, production still falls short of the national demand of 120 to 140 million litres annually. This shortfall underscores the need for innovative solutions to boost output and reduce reliance on imports.
Climate change has also negatively impacted milk production, with the El Niño-induced drought last year causing pasture shortages. This highlights the urgent need for the development of large-scale irrigated pastures, which could transform Zimbabwe’s dairy industry into a more sustainable, productive, and profitable sector.
With the right investment and support, dairy farmers in Zimbabwe can unlock new opportunities for growth and development, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic prosperity.
Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) chairman, Mr Edward Warambwa, said high operating costs and the lack of long-term capital were hindering the growth of dairy operations.
“High operating costs and lack of access to long-term capital are limiting the dairy sector’s growth. We want to produce competitive milk and establish irrigated pastures to reduce production costs. But our financiers do not offer long-term loans.
“We are doing our best to secure funding and explain our needs to banks so that we can be supported in establishing pastures. Some farmers are growing Lucerne on small plots due to the financial constraints associated with such projects,” said Mr Warambwa.
These developments come as the Government acknowledges the challenges faced by dairy farmers, including VAT regulations, multiple levies, and high operating costs. In response, it has reaffirmed its commitment to recapitalising the Dairy Revitalisation Fund through a five percent levy on imported dairy products.
Speaking at the ZADF 11th Annual General Meeting in Beatrice, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Davis Marapira, said:
“These initiatives demonstrate the Government’s commitment to the dairy sector and its willingness to work with stakeholders to address existing challenges. By working together, we hope to unlock the sector’s full potential.”
ZADF has been implementing several key initiatives to boost milk production and ensure the sustainability of the dairy industry. One such initiative is a nationwide artificial insemination programme aimed at increasing the dairy herd and improving milk yields.
To make the programme more accessible, ZADF offers subsidised semen to farmers, enabling them to access high-quality dairy genetics at a reduced cost.
Additionally, the association is working closely with the Government to implement drought mitigation strategies, helping to protect the dairy industry from the impacts of climate change and ensure its long-term viability.
These initiatives reflect ZADF’s commitment to supporting dairy farmers and promoting the growth and development of Zimbabwe’s dairy industry.
