Farmers step up fodder production

Sikhulekelani Moyo

LIVESTOCK farmers in Zimbabwe’s southern region are scaling up fodder production to improve feed security ahead of the dry season.

Increased droughts, subsequent depletion of pastures and livestock diseases in recent years have increased the risk of livestock deaths, negatively impacting the economy.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy and supports an extensive value chain.

In response to questions from this publication, Matabeleland South livestock specialist Mr Hatitye Zondai said it was encouraging that farmers in the region had embraced fodder production.

He said the end of the rainy season presented the perfect time to harvest and preserve livestock feed for the lean months ahead.

“Farmers are, indeed, adopting climate-smart practices, with over 60 percent already on board and the agriculture sector is projected to grow by 8 percent this year,” said Mr Zondai.

“What farmers can do is harvest and preserve through collecting crop residues, making hay and storing properly to retain nutrients.

“On silage production, farmers should start harvesting crops like maize, sorghum or legumes for silage, harvesting at the right stage (milk dough or 50 percent flowering).”

Mr Zondai said farmers should plant drought-tolerant crops like velvet bean, lablab and tree legumes for a steady feed source, and harvest water to conserve it for livestock.

“The Government’s Presidential Inputs Scheme and other initiatives (inclusive of dairy) are supporting farmers in these efforts, aiming to boost food security and resilience,” he said.

“Last year, only 2 886 tonnes of silage were distributed under the Presidential Drought Mitigation Programme.”

Through collaboration by farmers, the Government and other partners, Zimbabwe is increasingly embracing fodder production.

Farmers in the southern region, which receives less rainfall than the rest of the country, see this as key to growing the sector and enhancing resilience against shocks such as climate change.

Fodder production entails growing a high-yielding annual or perennial crop to feed animals.

This can be done to produce animal feed in both intensive and extensive livestock production systems.

A variety of fodder crops are available for farmers to choose from, depending on resources, climatic conditions, season and required usage.

Fodder production can significantly cut feed costs and enhance livestock price competitiveness.

A prominent commercial cattle farmer from Esigodini, Mr Obert Chinamo, is among the champion feed producers in the region.

“Yes, we have planted a lot of fodder crops, namely lablab,velvet bean, sugargraze, maize and Katambora pasture,” he said.

“Farmers need to utilise this dry window and start baling. On my farm, we are already baling.”

The Government has prioritised fodder and feed production to support the livestock sector, aiming to achieve the national herd target of 11 million by 2030.

Key initiatives include the Presidential Silage Scheme, the Presidential Legume Pasture Programme for creating fodder banks and the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme to improve water access for irrigation and livestock.

The Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan also emphasises livestock nutrition as a pillar for improving productivity.

Government support extends to providing seeds for drought-resistant crops like velvet bean and labula bean, alongside extension services and training to equip farmers with modern fodder production techniques.