adminMarvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
LIVESTOCK farming should be viewed like any other business that should contribute to the growth of the economy. Officially opening the inaugural Matabeleland South Livestock Symposium in Gwanda on Tuesday Agriculture Deputy Minister responsible for livestock, Cde Paddy Zhanda said livestock farming was a key to the growth of the economy and as such farmers should treat it as a business venture.
“We need to engage our farmers and conscientise them about the commercial aspect of cattle, that they should not just keep cattle for the sake of keeping them but as a commercial business. Farmers need to understand that they should sell one or two of their animals every year so that they can meet their obligations of looking after their families,” said Cde Zhanda.
“Farmers are at times so possessive of cattle that even the issue of food and nutrition becomes a challenge. We don’t see cattle in a different way besides being a sign of wealth hence we don’t sell. You find someone complaining of not having fertiliser but has 50 cattle. I don’t
know how we can change that mindset,” he said.
Cde Zhanda said it was disappointing that farmers in Matabeleland South province lost thousands of cattle due to drought, a situation he said could have been avoided if farmers had sold some of their cattle.
“Even during drought, farmers tend to live on hope that their animals will survive,” he said.
Politicians were also challenged to play a pivotal role in equipping farmers with necessary information especially during years of drought.
Cde Zhanda said government was committed to rebuilding the national herd but was constrained by lack of finance.
“Funds at the moment are a problem so we should not just wait for government to provide the required funding. We should explore other avenues of raising money,” he said.
Cde Zhanda the government was working on resucsciting the Cold Storage Company (CSC) which he said guaranteed farmers good prices for their cattle.
Online Reporter