Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
DAIRY farmers in Makoni West, who had abandoned the trade, have been given a new lease of life following the reopening of a milk processing centre that was idle for over a decade.
The Dowa-Dewedzo Dairy, which has the capacity to process 1 000-litres per day, reopened its doors last month, leaving both small-scale and peasant farmers optimistic that their lives will change for the better.
At its peak, the centre used to pack sour milk and supply retailers in Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Harare provinces.
Chairman of the co-operative, Mr Edzai Tarambawamwe said farmers are eager to resume operations, currently milking 45l per day from 13 cows.
He said they require additional funding to acquire standard heifers and boost production.
“We have started with 11 farmers supplying the dairy centre with milk, and more have expressed interest to join. At the moment, we have 13 dairy cows producing an average of 45l per day, which we are processing into sour milk and package it under the Amasi brand. Fresh milk is being supplied to a hospital, boarding school and the local community. We are actually failing to meet the growing demand.
“The centre has all the machinery for processing and handling milk. This centre used to be among the biggest in Manicaland as we used to supply major supermarkets across the province, Harare and Mashonaland East. At full capacity, we can handle 1 000l per day.
“We are facing challenges in terms of the quality of heifers. We require improved breeds, and there is need for serious restocking so that we reach the levels of our heydays. The centre ceased operations in 2008 due to the hyper-inflation that eroded farmers’ gains.
“We are appealing to Government and other private players to partner us in acquiring dairy cows. The centre is now functional and farmers can repay the loans. Currently all the farmers are milking crossbreeds of heifers and indigenous cattle. Partners can also assist us on artificial insemination to improve our breeds,” he said.
Ward 13 representative, Councillor Mind Nyamande said the centre is a key business unit in the area, and should be fully supported as it has many downstream beneficiaries.
“The dairy centre was in a dysfunctional state for far too long, but now that farmers are bringing in their milk for handling and marketing, there is renewed hope.
“ The farmers have demonstrated remarkable resilience and effort in making this happen, and it is now time for them to receive support from Government, private sector and other partners. This will enable them to reach their full potential and capacity. Furthermore, there is need for restocking to increase the numbers and quality of heifers,” said Councillor Nyamande.
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