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Trust Freddy-Herald correspondent
There is need to strengthen partnerships between goat farmers and agro-industries, research institutes and universities to help farmers increase production, boost quality and earn more, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka said yesterday.
In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Vangelis Haritatos at the Goat Indaba held at Henderson Research Institute in Mazowe, Minister Masuka said the ministry was optimistic of achieving its goals.
“As we endeavour to achieve our set goals, there is a need to strengthen existing partnerships between farmer unions, agro industries, research institutes and universities in the development of a robust and effective goat value chain,” Minister Masuka said.
“The Ministry departments of livestock research, veterinary services and livestock production will continue to support farmers through availing elite breeding stock, animal health services and technical backstopping.
“Extension capacitation with modern goat farming methods will also be employed for increased production and productivity on farms.”
The Goat Breeders Association of Zimbabwe convened the indaba which was held under the theme: “Transforming the goat value chain for the future.”
Participants at the meeting sought to find ways to increase the production of quality goat meat that could improve farmer earnings and meet the growing demand for the meat in the potentially lucrative export market.
Minister Masuka said strengthening pass-on schemes, establishment of breeding and genetic improvement centres and production of livestock inputs and veterinary vaccines and medicine was critical for the attainment of the National Development Strategy 1.
NDS1 sets out clear strategies aimed at ensuring the growth of livestock production in the country, including goats.
Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe Goat Breeders Association chairperson Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula urged farmers to join the association so that they could get training, receive technical assistance and benefit from markets.
“To goat breeders, it is important to belong to an organised group that talks about pertinent issues to the business,” she said. “If you are a goat breeder it is very crucial to be part and parcel of this programme so that you get information that is very key to what is happening.”
There has been an increase in the number of goat breeders in Zimbabwe due to high profits and huge demand for goat meat.
There are different breeds that are reared on a commercial basis in Zimbabwe and these are Mashona, Matebele, Boer, Saanen and Angora goats.
The goat population in Zimbabwe increased from four million last year to 4,3m this year.
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