Zim goes digital in livestock management

Obey Musiwa-Herald Reporter

THE Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has launched the National Livestock Stock Card Initiative in Chidziva Village, Bindura, as part of measures to revolutionise the sector through digital record-keeping and data analysis.

The move seeks to transform the livestock industry valued at US$2 billion and support millions of livelihoods by providing a digital platform for farmers to track health, breeding, market access and resource management.

Addressing farmers, Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri said Zimbabwe’s livestock industry was potentially worth US$2 billion.

“First, the digital platform will enable farmers to keep a safer records database of what the number of our cattle and also have a record of what is happening within our cattle industry. What is the level of diseases? How are we dealing with it?

“With 5,7 million cattle, therefore, it is imperative that we look after such an industry and look after our cattle.”

He said by launching the Livestock Stock Card Initiative, the Government had planted a seed for a future where technology and tradition co-exist.

“This is where our livestock sector flourishes and where Zimbabwe’s farmers lead Africa’s agrarian revolution,” he said. Prof Jiri urged farmers to follow the National Dipping Programme to ensure all their cattle are dipped at every scheduled session and designated dip tanks.

“No undipped cattle will be tolerated, as it poses a risk to the entire livestock population,” he said.

“Remember, the law states that farmers who do not dip their cattle must be prosecuted. All farmers are required to pay their dipping fees, as the National Dipping Programme belongs to farmers and its success is hinged on your contributions.”

He said farmers must verify the accuracy of their livestock census data on the stock cards by ensuring that all livestock are registered.