adminduring the launch of a cattle-breeding programme in Mhondoro yesterday, Mhondoro-Mubaira legislator Cde Sylvester Nguni said restocking of the national herd would only be possible with full participation of communal farmers.
The programme is part of the efforts by Zanu-PF to enhance the national herd and will spread to other parts of the country.
Makera Cattle Company, a firm specialising in beef production, is working with the farmers to produce top quality calves, in a programme expected to augment the farmers’ income.
“We used to have beef exports in the country but it’s now history. This is because most of us are not taking cattle ranching seriously,” he said.
“This is one area which can be a vehicle in reviving our economy.
“Cross breeding means better quality of beef and it means farmers can also get money from sales of quality cattle.”
Cde Nguni, who is also Minister of State in Vice President Joice Mujuru’s office, urged the farmers to safeguard the 72 steers the company has put in the Mhondoro area.
“We can not rule out the fact that we have thieves in our areas but people with developmental minds will always treasure anything vital to their life,” said Cde Nguni.
Zanu-PF’s production and labour department is running a cattle programme that is headed by Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire.
Chief Mashayamombe said people should bury political differences when dealing with economic issues.
“We are building the country and this has nothing to do with political parties. Let us complement Government efforts and take this cross breeding programme seriously,” he said.
Makera spokesperson Mr Itai Kashapa added: “This is another phase of the land reform programme, which must be given support.
“The national herd has been depleted since we ousted commercial farmers. There is need for massive restocking if we are to improve our economy.”
Zimbabwe has more than five million herd of cattle and Mashonaland West accounts for 14 percent of the total herd.
Online Reporter