Online Reporter
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
DAIRY farmers are pleading for Government assistance in accessing long-term capital to establish large-scale irrigated pastures, as the dairy sector moves to lower production costs and boost milk production in the country.
Large-scale irrigated pastures have several benefits for Zimbabwe’s dairy industry, including boosting milk production and helping the country meet its domestic milk requirements, which would cut imports and promote job creation.
Irrigated pastures would also enable dairy farmers to maintain a stable food supply for their cattle, reducing reliance on expensive feed imports.
As such, the dairy farmers have implored the Government and local financial institutions to tailor-make long-term financing facilities for the establishment of irrigated pastures.
This will improve the sustainability of dairy farming in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has seen a significant increase in milk production in recent years, with a target to reach 150 million liters by 2025. Current consumption in Zimbabwe stands at 130 million.
The country is progressively moving towards self-sufficiency, with imports of milk powder declining as production rises.
Dairy farmers are presently constrained by limited access to affordable long-term credit, which affects their ability to invest in their farms and improve their operations.
