Govt urged to support animal husbandry projects

provincial Governor and Resident Minister Angeline Masuku has said.
She said Government and development agencies should channel more resources to livestock production and ranching programmes.
In an interview recently Governor Masuku said Government needed to come up with a blueprint to mobilise funds for cattle farmers.
She said most of the areas in Matabeleland South region were drought prone.
She was concerned over delays by the Treasury to release money for the animal husbandry and wildlife management six months down the line.
Governor Masuku said cotton and tobacco programmes were major beneficiaries of Government programmes.
“We are appealing to Government to support livestock producers especially in this part of the country where cattle rearing, wildlife management and irrigation farming are the sources of livelihood.
“These farmers need to be assisted with equipment to harvest stock feeds, buy vaccines and finance requisite training and skills enhancement to run their businesses.
“We need funds to buy seven rollers for the whole province that will be used for harvesting cattle feeds throughout the year,” she said.
On irrigation, Governor Masuku said there are many rivers in Matabeleland South flowing into the Limpopo River that could be used for irrigation farming.
“Food security in this province hinges on the success of irrigation schemes.
“People are willing to work but the majority of these irrigation schemes are in bad state.
“The effective management of our agricultural projects will also contribute to the success of our land reform programme,” said Governor Masuku.