Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
THE Government has intensified efforts to transform livestock farming from basic production into full-scale rural industrial activity, with farmers being urged to expand into meat processing and other value addition initiatives to drive economic growth in line with Vision 2030.
Addressing a livestock field day held recently at Godzilla Farm in Insiza District, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the future of agriculture lies in moving beyond the sale of raw livestock towards the production of finished beef products and the establishment of rural based industries.
He said the transition is critical for the attainment of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) targets, which prioritise value chain development, industrialisation and inclusive rural transformation.
“We want to see farmers going beyond production to processing. A cattle farmer must start thinking about establishing an abattoir, a butchery, and even processing hides into leather products. That is how rural industries are built. These enterprises must evolve from being farms into industrial hubs that create jobs and drive local economies.”
Prof Jiri said rural industrialisation should be anchored on existing productive farms, rather than relying on external investors to establish service centres in rural areas.
“This is where it begins — where the raw materials are being produced. From there, you build industries around that production,” he said.
He cited Godzilla Farm, owned by Mr Albert Nyathi, as a model commercial enterprise aligned with the Government’s agricultural transformation agenda. The farm has 539 beef cattle, 43 sheep, Brahman breeding stock and indigenous poultry, supported by modern infrastructure that includes feedlots, a dip tank, a workshop and staff housing, while employing 36 workers.
Prof Jiri said such enterprises were not only strengthening food security but also stimulating local economies through employment creation and improved access to affordable agricultural products.
“No farm is an island, it is a centre of production for the community. One successful farmer can uplift an entire community and inspire others to follow suit,” he said.
To enhance productivity and expansion, Prof Jiri said Government is prioritising access to additional land for high performing farmers, particularly land near dams to support scaling up of operations.
“We want productive farmers to scale up. Those who are utilising their land effectively and need more space will be considered for additional land, including through corporate structures,” he said.
He also called on commercial livestock farmers to play a mentorship role by improving livestock genetics in surrounding communal areas, a move he said would strengthen supply chains for future processing industries.
“If you are building an abattoir, you will need a steady supply of quality livestock. That starts with improving breeds in neighbouring communities,” he said.
Prof Jiri emphasised that treating farming as a business was key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
“If all farmers approach agriculture commercially, the sector will grow significantly and contribute meaningfully towards Vision 2030,” he said.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the province was already beginning to witness tangible results from such initiatives, marking early gains in rural industrialisation.
“We are seeing Rural Industrialisation 8.0 come to fruition in this province. We are seeing the shift from primary production to value addition and processing. This is critical for job creation, income generation and improving livelihoods,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said Matabeleland South has the land, resources and human capital required to become a major livestock production hub, with ambitions to lead in beef processing and exports.
“Enterprises like this should be centres of excellence where other farmers can learn best practices. This is how we build a strong agricultural sector that feeds the nation and drives economic growth,” he said.
Rural industrialisation, a key pillar under national development frameworks, seeks to transform rural economies by promoting agro-processing, manufacturing and value addition at source, while reducing reliance on exports of raw commodities.— @DubeMatutu
