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Edgar Vhera
Agriculture Specialist Writer
THE dairy sector has shrugged off the effects of drought to record a 19 percent increase in milk production from 63 to 75 million litres between January and August this year compared to the same period last year.
Statistics released by the Dairy Services Unit (DSU) yesterday showed that milk production for the first eight months of the year rose from 63 044 912 litres in 2023 to 75 255 012 this year.
A monthly comparison for August shows that there was a 15 percent increase from 8 815 674 last year to 10 159 614 in 2024.
The intake of milk by processors remains at 92 percent with producers retailing the remaining eight percent on their own.
Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) national chairman, Mr Edward Warambwa said a variety of factors have led to the dairy sector maintaining its ground regardless of the drought challenges.
“The year-on-year increase in milk production can be attributed to previous investments targeted at herd growth, improved efficiency, operations management through provision of pluralistic extension services and improved animal health management.
“The month-on-month growth declined from 20 to 15 percent due to deteriorating pasture condition and water availability as a result of the El Nino-induced drought,” he said.
The unproportionate increase in cost of production (primarily due to rise in feed price) against the steady output price also led to the monthly drop.
“As a way of managing their feed bill and maintain business viability, farmers reduced the quantity of feed. We anticipate the downward trend to continue into the second quarter of the year if the cost of production versus producer price challenges are not addressed,” he lamented.
ZADF continues to engage the Government and dairy value chain stakeholders to ensure viability at farm level.
The national milk production target for this year remains at 115 million litres up from 100 million produced in 2023 to mark a 15 percent growth.
However, if the eight-month growth of 19 percent is maintained, raw milk output will rise to 118 million litres leaving the country to import about 13 million litres for sufficiency.
The country requires about 131 million litres of milk for sufficiency.
Government-facilitated and private sector-led interventions in the dairy sector continue bearing fruit, as the national dairy herd rose 13, 4 percent from 53 250 in 2022 to 60 398 in 2023. The milking herd stood at 39 811 by end of 2023.
The industry has surpassed the 2025 target of a total dairy herd of 60 000 and 38 000 milking cows.
On June 1, the country joined the world in celebrating the World Milk Day that focused on acknowledging the vital role dairy plays in delivering quality nutrition to the world.
Online Reporter