adminGeorge Maponga in Masvingo
Government has announced plans to revive the dairy sector in Masvingo by offering technical and material support to mission schools and selected indigenous farmers to venture into commercial milk production. Masvingo used to be a major milk producer before the depletion of its dairy herd.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development (Cropping) Davis Marapira yesterday said Government wanted all mission schools in the province and selected model A2 scheme farmers to venture into milk production.
Deputy Minister Marapira said the programme would resume early next year with beneficiaries expected to receive heifers and dairy equipment from players in the dairy sector through Government support.
He said Government wanted Masvingo to be self-reliant in the production of dairy products.
“We have started preparations for the programme to revive the dairy sector in Masvingo where we intend to assist beneficiaries to get heifers and dairy equipment because we want the province to be a major player in milk production and in the dairy sector.
“All mission schools in Masvingo province will be roped into this programme with a selected group of indigenous commercial farmers because our thrust is for Masvingo to stop importing dairy projects in the next few years,’’ he said.
Deputy Minister Marapira said Government had identified some companies willing to offer material and technical support for the project.
Among the companies is Rad Zim Agri-power, an indigenous firm that has already undertaken to extend material and technical support to the beneficiaries.
Rad Zim Agri-power managing director Mr Kith Lowe said his firm was prepared to offer support to mission schools and A2 farmers in the dairy sector.
“We are waiting for Government and the political leadership in Masvingo to tell us how many schools and individuals would receive heifers for the dairy project so that we can assist them,’’ said Mr Lowe.
Online Reporter