Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe , [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has said although the revival of the Cold Storage Company (CSC) is critical, this should not determine the livestock sector’s ability to re-enter the lucrative export market.
Speaking at the inaugural ZITF Livestock Conference in Bulawayo on Friday, Permanent secretary of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, underscored the need to seize export opportunities and ensure the sector progresses regardless of CSC’s status.
“If CSC comes, thank God. If it continues the way it is, thank God again. But we must re-enter the export market in a big way.
“We must reduce the cost of production and other challenges that hinder the sector,” he said.
At its peak in the 1990s, the state-owned Cold Storage Commission (now Cold Storage Company) was a major beef exporter to the European Union (EU), exporting 9 100 tonnes annually and generating US$45 million in revenue.
However, exports were suspended in August 2001 due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, dealing a significant financial blow to the company.
Prof Jiri urged stakeholders to capitalise on the global meat market, which is projected to reach US$1,3 trillion by 2027, and aggressively re-enter the export space.
“With the global meat market expected to reach US$1,3 trillion by 2027, there lies a significant opportunity for countries like Zimbabwe to enhance exports and value addition,” he said.
He further noted that Zimbabwe has the potential to build a resilient livestock sector that strengthens food security, drives economic growth and contributes to Vision 2030, where livestock plays a pivotal role in national development.
Beyond economic benefits, Prof Jiri stressed that livestock is an integral part of rural livelihoods, food security and cultural identity.
In 2021, the ministry launched the Livestock Growth Plan (LGP) as part of the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS).
The plan aims to establish a US$2 billion livestock economy before the end of this year focusing on key areas such as animal health, nutrition and genetics.
Additionally, it seeks to address long-standing challenges, including tsetse fly infestation, foot-and-mouth disease, tick-borne diseases and the rehabilitation and construction of dip tanks.
“The full implementation of this plan will see Zimbabwe regaining its status as a regional livestock powerhouse,” Prof Jiri said.
Complementing this initiative, the Zimbabwe Livestock Growth Program (ZLGP) was introduced to increase production, productivity, and profitability in the sector while boosting livestock exports.
Efforts are also being made to safeguard the national herd from tick-borne diseases, which have claimed nearly 500 000 cattle in recent rainy seasons.
Government aims to grow the national herd from 5,6 million to six million this year through artificial insemination using high-quality bull semen and expanded vaccination programmes.
Prof Jiri, however, admits that financing remains a critical factor in unlocking the sector’s full potential given that access to credit remains a significant challenge for farmers.
“We must therefore advocate for innovative financial solutions that specifically address the unique challenges of livestock production,” he said.
These solutions include targeted credit facilities, public-private partnerships, livestock insurance schemes and expanded microfinance options.
“These strategies will empower farmers to invest in improved practices and technologies,” he said, noting that the livestock value chain presents vast opportunities, from production to processing and marketing.
“Enhancing value and increasing income potential is vital. Through capacity building, value addition, and maintaining high standards of quality and safety for livestock products, we can create market-driven opportunities that benefit individual farmers and bolster our national economy,” said Prof Jiri.
During the conference, farmers highlighted challenges in livestock marketing, including low cattle prices, inconsistent market access and regulatory burdens.
Government has also said it is working to reduce regulatory compliance costs, which adversely impact farmer profitability.
The issue of the “fifth quarter” (by-products like hides and offal) remains a contentious topic, with calls for fair compensation for farmers.
Expanding access to export markets was also identified as a crucial step in reducing local market saturation and improving profitability.
