Chronicle Editor
A MAJORITY of livestock farmers in Matabeleland South, particularly in communal areas, have adopted livestock farming as a commercial entity, a development that is set to boost the province’s herd and contribute to the growth of the national herd.
As part of efforts to grow the national herd, Government under Second Republic, has put in place measures to boost production of livestock in both communal and resettlement area.
President Mnangagwa launched the Presidential Livestock Scheme as part of efforts to grow the livestock sub-sector. Under the scheme, farmers are receiving legume seeds, fertilisers and forage sorghum among other inputs. Distribution of the inputs is set to boost creation of forage banks for improved animal nutrition.
Government also rolled out the Presidential Tick Grease Programme which seeks to curb tick-borne disease, particularly theileriosis. The programme is in line with the National Development Strategy 1 which is prioritising animal health and production through strengthening farmer knowledge, skills in livestock production and health so as to enhance productivity.
In Zimbabwe, cattle are a common source of wealth and draught power, and Government estimates that about 90 percent of the country’s nearly 5,5 million cattle are owned by small-scale farmers.
Matabeleland South provincial livestock specialist, Mr Hatitye Muchemwa said they trained farmers as part of efforts to complement Government efforts.
“We have been training farmers on the need to adopt cattle rearing as a commercial practice and not only for subsistence purposes. Matabeleland South is a cattle area, but for many years farmers were just rearing animals for their own consumption and as a symbol of wealth,” he said.
“We have educated the farmers on issues such as record keeping, budgeting and marketing. The training programme is targeting all farmers and we are saying all farmers that own livestock have a role to play in growing the provincial herd, no matter how small the herd.”
Mr Muchemwa urged farmers to work towards obtaining a calf each year. He said farmers have also been encouraged to utilise various programmes and strategies that have been implemented by Government to boost their production.
“There has been an overwhelming response from farmers, especially in communal areas, which will help to grow the provincial herd which is presently at 567 000. Farmers have taken up fodder production and they are utilising Government programmes such as Presidential Tick Grease Programme and the Presidential Silage,” said Mr Muchemwa.
“Farmers have adopted the concept of supplementing their animals, dosing their animals and other disease preventive measures. They have also adopted strategies for proper care of their animals.”
The Presidential Livestock Scheme falls under the Livestock Growth Plan, which is part of the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy that is expected to turn agriculture into an US$8,2 billion industry by 2025 and contribute towards the achievement of Vision 2030.
In order to augment Government’s efforts, irrigation holders have been urged to put a portion of their land under fodder production. Smallholder irrigation farmers and communal farmers have set aside a portion of land for fodder production.
Online Reporter