Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, [email protected]
A NEW organisation, Zimbabwe Beef Producers Association (ZBPA) has been established to uplift smallholder farmers and promote long-term beef producers through the growth and development of the smallholder beef industry.
President of the newly formed association, Mr George Chiunda said the association was formed after the realisation of the gap between beef farmers and the Government.
“If you look at most farmers from piggery, dairy, and even chicken, they have associations that represent them. So the association was formed after noting the gap between us, especially smallholder beef farmers and the Government, yet there are a lot of issues which need to be discussed and addressed so that the sector can grow,” he said.
He said small holder beef farmers are often overlooked despite their major contribution to the country’s beef sector.
“If you check, smallholder beef farmers are overlooked yet they hold about 80 percent of the country’s herd. Those are the people we seek to represent. Currently, we have about 300 members and we are still pushing for more members so that we continue growing,” said Mr Chiunda.
He said the immediate task was to negotiate the 15 percent tax recently introduced.
“We seek to improve communication between beef farmers and the Government and as we speak, we have an issue with the 15 percent tax recently introduced on cattle. That is hard for the farmer and we need to engage the Government so that it can be revised because it affects farmers and the ordinary beef consumer,” he said.
The association has since set up structures in each of the country’s 10 provinces with district structures set to be set up shortly.
According to Mr Chiunda, programmes like engagements with the veterinary department, beef farming training, and field days are some of the association’s major projects.
Online Reporter