Sell unproductive cattle, farmers told

Agriculture Reporter
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made is encouraging livestock producers to sell unproductive cattle to raise funds to feed the rest of their herds.
Livestock farmers in dry areas are having problems buying feeds for their livestock.
“It is disturbing that while there is no grazing for livestock, rivers continue to dry and this affects livestock performance,” said Dr Made. “Farmers can sell non-breeding cattle and raise money for the upkeep of the remaining stock to maintain the livestock in good quality.”
Farmers said the rains the country has been receiving are insufficient to boost the condition of pastures.

Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union vice president responsible for livestock Mr Abdul Nyathi said: “We have had shallow rains and they have not been significant in terms of livestock grazing and browsing.”

Many farmers, especially in Matabeleland, are relying on Government stockfeeds aid while some are importing grass and hay from other areas.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union vice president Mr Johnson Mapira also urged farmers to increase dipping intervals and vaccinate their livestock against tick-borne diseases.

He said tick-borne diseases are more prevalent during the rainy season.
“Farmers should dip livestock weekly to reduce the outbreak of tick-borne diseases that are more prevalent during the rainy season,” said Mr Mapira.