Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE’S largest livestock semen processing and cryopreservation centre at Matopos Research Institute in Matabeleland South province, has made significant strides since its commissioning in October 2024, servicing over 200 farmers and actively contributing to the preservation of indigenous cattle genetics.
The centre was established under the Building Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Africa Programme, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development in partnership with Green Climate Fund (GCF) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) being the implementing partner.
The semen processing and cryopreservation facility enables farmers to easily access top-quality semen at affordable prices.
Principal Research Officer and Head of the Beef Research Unit at Matopos Research Institute, Mr Bruce Tavirimirwa, confirmed that the facility has seen consistent engagement from the farming community.
“A total of 223 walk-in farmers have visited the Genebank for semen straws and soundness tests,” he said.
The services provided include the production of 744 semen straws, the conducting of five sperm viability and bull soundness tests, and 10 frozen semen quality assessments.
The facility caters to a diverse range of clients, encompassing both smallholder and commercial farmers, predominantly from the Matabeleland region.
Mr Tavirimirwa highlighted the primary focus: “To date, 744 semen straws (Tuli, Nkone breeds) were processed primarily for the purpose of banking indigenous cattle genetics”.
He also noted a significant contribution to the commercial sector, adding, “A total of 640 Simmental straws were processed for a commercial farmerm, who went on to distribute them across Zimbabwe”.
While the full impact on livestock breeding and genetic diversity will be a long-term measure, the institute is already seeing medium-term successes.
“The impacts will be measured in the long run,” Mr Tavirimirwa explained.
“In the medium term, the institute has conducted bull soundness tests to check sperm viability on some stud farmers. Imported semen quality checks are also being conducted for farmers.”
Ensuring equitable access to these vital genetic resources is a core principle for the institute.
“Matopos Research is a public institute. As such, farmers needing the services are free to walk into the institute and get assistance whenever it’s feasible,” said Mr Tavirimirwa.
The institute prioritises indigenous breeds like Tuli and Nkone for genetic material collection and preservation.
“Matopos Research Institute promotes indigenous breeds, which are Tuli and Nkone, which perform better under harsh conditions and are climate resilient and available to resource-limited farmers,” he said, underscoring their importance for sustainable livestock development.
The official said farmers wishing to utilise the gene bank’s services can visit the institute directly for inquiries or engage their respective Agritex officers for assistance.
“The fee structure for services is as follows: Matopos Research Institute (MRI) semen straws (Tuli, Nkone and Afrikander) are sold at US$5 per straw.
“The collection and processing of semen from farmer-owned bulls is carried out at US$3.5 per straw. Additionally, a bull soundness test costs US$100 and farmer semen quality assessment is available at US$10 per straw,” he said.
The continued operation of the Matopos Gene Bank is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Zimbabwe’s livestock sector, promoting genetic diversity, and supporting both commercial and smallholder farmers in building more resilient herds.
