Zim on course to achieve milk self-sufficiency

Edgar Vhera, Agriculture Specialist Writer

ZIMBABWE is set to achieve milk self-sufficiency from local production, as stakeholders target a 15 percent increase in raw milk output from 115 million litres last year to 132 million this year.

The nation requires 131 million litres of milk for self-sufficiency, and is 16 million litres shy of achieving the self-sufficiency goal.

Statistics released by the Dairy Services Unit (DSU) recently showed that raw milk production had increased by 15 percent, from 99 821 752 litres in 2023 to 114 699 440 litres last year.

Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) national chairman, Mr Edward Warambwa, said milk production, which continues to increase, sets the country on a trajectory to achieve milk self-sufficiency this year.

“The target is to attain a 15 percent growth from last year’s output to achieve an output of 132 million litres, which is enough to meet our national annual milk requirement,” he said.

Mr Warambwa said ZADF in collaboration with development partners, Government and the private sector had launched a breeding strategy aimed at supporting independent dairy breeders working on improving dairy genetics and herd growth.

To support the growth of the sector, Mr Warambwa said Government must come up with policies that promote and support investment into alternative energy technologies such as solar grid system and biogas usage.

“This can be achieved through offering tax incentives to investors and availing funding to support such investments. Tax incentives can be extended to irrigation systems development and farm road improvements, as well as mechanisation,” he added.

Government has been backing national herd growth through breeding support, ensuring access to hybrid semen and vaccines, pasture development through input support programmes for all classes of dairy farmers, as well as through prioritisation of power to dairy farmers to maintain cold chains.

“For the dairy sector to thrive, there is need to avail patient capital to fund the following investments — breeding support to improve genetics, increasing local herd through artificial insemination (AI), refurbishing milk collection centres and procuring bulk milk tanks and milking machines, fencing to control animal movement and reduce spread of diseases, dip tank rehabilitation as well as spray race structures to control disease outbreaks,” the ZADF boss said.

Mr Warambwa praised the collaborative efforts between ZADF, the Government and the private sector, which have resulted in the provision of pluralistic extension services, leading to improved operations management.

“Most farmers are adopting cost-effective ways of maximising milk yields at the lowest possible feed cost. Despite the El Niño conditions, most farmers have managed to sustain themselves throughout the year by adopting feed preservation techniques such as silage production and hay baling,” said the ZADF chair.

Notwithstanding this achievement, several challenges are hindering the growth of the sector.

“High production costs resulting from elevated prices of feed have led to a lack of competitiveness at the regional level in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.

The poor mechanisation of the sector is also adversely affecting productivity.

“Many dairy farms have outdated infrastructure and lack modern equipment, which hampers efficient milk production and processing,” he observed.

Since milk is a perishable product, some roads are in very poor condition, causing the milk to turn sour due to long hours on the road.

Limited access to affordable financing and investment opportunities suitable for the dairy sector restricts farmers’ ability to expand and modernise their operations.

The industry is also under threat from illegal smuggling of dairy products into the country, he observed.