Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
TWENTY-FOUR women from the Cynara Dairy Farmers Cooperative in Mutasa district this afternoon received 24 in-calf heifers, valued at US$1 600 each, in a loan scheme launched by the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank.
The heifers, insured for their value, are expected to give birth by June 30, boosting milk production in the province.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza handed over the heifers, which he said will go a long way in empowering female dairy farmers, who are the majority of members of the cooperative.
He said hailed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s policies on women economic empowerment.
“His leadership has created an enabling environment for women to thrive in agriculture. With these heifers, our female dairy farmers will be able to increase milk production, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” he said.
Cynara Dairy Farmers Cooperative chairperson, Mr Francis Musunzuru said some of the heifers had already given birth and were producing top-quality milk.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Christine Kaisi expressed her gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a game-changer.
“It is a game-changer for me and my family as we will now be able to increase our milk production and our livelihoods,” she said.
ZWMB chief executive officer, Dr Mandas Marikanda said the loan scheme seeks to support farmers and increase milk production across the country.
Online Reporter