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Elita Chikwati recently in Bulawayo
Government has so far raised over $500 000 under the Dairy Resuscitation Fund that seeks to increase the dairy cattle herd and milk production. The fund was initiated by Government and stakeholders in the dairy industry in October last year after the parties agreed to charge 10 cents per every packet of milk imported.
The money will be used to import heifers and sexed semen to improve breeds and reproduction.
Officiating at the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister Cde Paddy Zhanda ,said only farmers with adequate knowledge would benefit from the dairy fund.
“The scheme is not for starters, but for farmers who are already into dairy farming and have the knowledge,” he said.
“Farmers should get training on dairy production. Only trained farmers will qualify for the programme.”
Deputy Minister Zhanda said farmers would not access the facility for free as the costs would be deducted when they sold their milk.
He complained of imports and said he was against the idea of free trade among Sadc countries.
“There is nothing like free trade,” he said. “I have a different opinion. We should protect our farmers from imports. Let us do what is best for our farmers.”
Industry and Trade Minister Mike Bimha, said Government introduced duty on milk products to protect farmers.
In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Cde Chiratidzo Mabuwa, Minister Bimha said; “This way we will give reprieve to the local dairy industry to recover.
“As Government, we have also removed milk from the Open General Import Licence.
“An import licence is now required before importation of milk.”
Minister Bimha commended efforts by Government and stakeholders in the dairy industry, which have resulted in an increase in the head from 28 000 in 2011 to 33 000 and milk production from 36 million litres per year in 2009 to 55 million litres now.
“Though we are still below local demand of 120 million litres of raw milk per annum, I am pleased to note that we are moving towards positive results and there is an increased trend in the volume of milk being produced,” he said.
Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust vice charperson Mrs Tendayi Marecha said the Dairy Resuscitation Fund had seen the trust importing 2 000 straws of semen and 80 heifers.
“The heifers will be arriving soon and will be distributed to the beneficiaries,” she said.
ZADT was formed in 2013 to promote, advance and develop the production of milk and dairy products in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter