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Sithandazile Moyo Business Reporter
MANGWE Farmers Association in Matabeleland South intends to collaborate with stockfeed producers to improve accessibility of the feed by farmers. In an interview, chairperson of the association Adam Bango Dube said they would collaborate with stock feed manufacturers to help their members.
“We will work with stock feed companies to ensure whenever farmers need feed they can access it easily,” he said.
He said this would help farmers to reduce livestock deaths due to hunger and drought that has seen most farmers losing their livestock in previous years.
“We want to make sure that farmers do not lose their livestock due to hunger and drought. We will ensure that stock feed is readily available and accessible when a need arises,” said Dube.
He said the country had been receiving good rains eliminating the possibility of drought.
“We have been receiving good rains and we hope the country will continue to receive more rains and improve on pastures,” he said.
Dube, however, said they would continue to open more feedlots that would not focus on cattle fattening alone but help farmers in dosing and vaccinating their livestock against diseases.
“We will engage the Veterinary Services Department to make sure that those cattle brought to the feedlots are dosed and vaccinated to eliminate any dangers of losing the livestock to diseases,” he said.
He said it was important for farmers to take care of their beasts to reduce deaths and avoid overdependence on feedlots.
“Farmers should understand that feedlots are not cattle fattening places, but places where stock feed is distributed and cattle are vaccinated and dosed for those who cannot afford the vaccines and doses on their own,” said Dube.
He said this year they would be involved in a number of projects to help farmers in keeping their livestock.
He bemoaned the rise in cattle theft and encouraged farmers to get registered brands to protect their livestock.
Online Reporter