Govt to commission country’s largest cattle semen processing centre

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

The country’s largest cattle semen processing and cryopreservation centre will be commissioned by Government working with the United Nations Development Programme on Saturday at Matopos Research Institute in Matabeleland South.

In a statement yesterday, the UNDP said the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka accompanied by the UNDP Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola will commission the new facility.

Several Government officials and community leaders are expected to witness this milestone project in the province whose economic activity is also anchored on livestock production.

“This is the largest semen processing and cryopreservation centre in Zimbabwe, set to change the narrative in agricultural research,” said the UNDP.

“This centre will play a significant role to promote the adoption of climate-smart agriculture technologies that address critical needs of vulnerable smallholder farmers who experience increasing climatic disturbances and this event showcases the successful partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund, and UNDP in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.”

Dr Odusola will officially hand over the facility to Minister Masuka. At least US$394 390 has been invested for equipment while an additional US$10 557 was spent on capacity building of staff.

The facility enabled farmers to easily access top-quality semen at affordable prices. The centre also played a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity through the cryopreservation of semen from valuable livestock breeds, including indigenous and locally adapted breeds.

Matopos Research Institute is a custodian of indigenous breeds, in particular the Tuli, Mashona, Afrikander and Nkone, and is availing these elite indigenous animal genetic resources to farmers on a cost-recovery basis.