Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE largest semen processing and cryopreservation centre in the country, situated at Matopos Research Institute in Matabeleland South province, is set to be commissioned on Saturday through a partnership between the Government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event will be led by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka and UNDP country representative, Dr Ayodele Odusola. Additionally, various Government officials and community leaders will attend to mark this significant project, as livestock production remains the economic cornerstone of the province.
“This is the largest semen processing and cryopreservation centre in Zimbabwe is set to change the narrative in agricultural research,” said UNDP in a statement yesterday.
“This centre will play a significant role in promoting the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies that address the critical needs of vulnerable smallholder farmers who experience increasing climatic disturbances.
“This event showcases the successful partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund and UNDP in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.”
Dr Odusola will officially hand over the facility to the Minister where US$394 390 was invested in the equipment and US$10 557 was spent on capacity building of staff.
Semen Processing and Cryopreservation facility enables farmers to easily access top-quality semen at affordable prices.
The centre also plays a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity through the cryopreservation of semen from valuable livestock breeds, including our indigenous and locally adapted breeds.
Matopos Research Institute is a custodian of the indigenous breeds (Tuli, Mashona, Afrikander and Nkone) and is availing these elite indigenous animal genetic resources to farmers on a cost-recovery basis.
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