Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S commercial raw milk production hit a 23-year high of 122 million litres in 2025, with expectations that the country will achieve self-sufficiency this year.
The industry has seen an 85 percent increase in production over eight years, with the dairy herd growing by 75 percent in the same period.
Zimpapers Specialist Writer-Agribusiness, Edgar Vhera (EV), interviewed the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) national chairman, Mr Edward Warambwa (EW), on the developments in the sector.
EV: What is the outlook like for Zimbabwe’s milk production, considering current trends?
EW: We are confident the nation will meet self-sufficient production this year, especially if critical issues related to milk pricing, cost of compliance, power supply and access to suitable funding are addressed.
EV: What is your assessment of developments in the dairy sector last year?
EW: The year 2025 was characterised by sluggish producer prices relative to rising production costs, particularly for feed.
Obstacles included limited financing options for dairy farmers, deteriorating infrastructure, delays in milk payments and high transaction fees.
Despite these challenges, statistics released by the Dairy Services Unit (DSU) indicate that the country achieved a record monthly output of 11,4 million litres of milk in December. Notably, annual commercial milk production rose to 121,8 million litres in 2025.
This excludes an additional seven million litres of non-commercial milk produced and consumed at the household level, bringing the total production for the year to 128,8 million litres.
The ZADF commends all dairy farmers for their commitment and resilience, which made this significant increase in milk production possible.
EV: What’s your target this year?
EW: We are targeting milk production to rise by 10 percent to 134 million litres from 122 million litres. At this growth rate, we will surpass our milk self-sufficiency level of 131 million litres.
EV: What measures are you putting in place to achieve this target?
EW: We are promoting on-farm feed production and formulation by dairy farmers to cut feed cost and also lobbying relevant authorities for a reduction in the cost of production.
The association is also working with the Government, development partners and the private sector in implementing selective importation of heifers combined with local breeding, a strategy aimed at improving dairy genetics and herd growth. There is ongoing adoption of breeding technologies, which include artificial insemination programmes.
Other activities include promoting the improvement of dairy management systems to adapt to the changing climatic conditions, such as the selection of resilient animals.
We also have field officers across the country who provide extension services to farmers. From time to time, ZADF engages international experts for technical advisory services to farmers on breeding, nutrition and veterinary services to ensure improved efficiency for a vibrant dairy industry.
EV: With the country experiencing significant rainfall this season, how do you anticipate the dairy sector will be impacted, particularly in terms of milk production and quality?
EW: Rains replenish pastures and water sources, which are vital for dairy farming. Adequate rainfall leads to lush green pastures, which not only enhance the nutritional intake of dairy cows, but also support higher milk production.
This season offers farmers the chance to capitalise on the growth of natural forage and maximise fodder production, reducing the dependency on expensive feed inputs. Moreover, the increased availability of water during this period ensures that dairy herds remain hydrated, promoting better health and productivity.
EV: What specific challenges are likely to arise from these rains?
EW: Flooding and waterlogging can damage pastures and infrastructure, leading to potential losses. Wet conditions may also encourage the proliferation of diseases, such as mastitis in cows, which can significantly impact milk yield and quality.
EV: What is the importance of quality in milk production?
EW: Milk quality is a crucial factor in dairy production and producers are well aware of its significance.
The price of milk is largely determined by its quality, which compels dairy producers to strive for the right standards to remain competitive.
The quality of raw milk is often influenced by farm management practices; hygiene, animal health and feeding. Poor practices can lead to milk contamination, impacting quality.
While instances of contamination do occur, they are typically addressed through training programmes that teach farmers best practices for milk handling.
Another challenge regarding raw milk quality is its vulnerability to microbial contamination. This is managed through regular training provided by milk extension officers from the government, the private sector and in some instances, development partners.
EV: Are dairy farmers getting a fair deal from current market prices and what can be done to improve profitability?
EW: Members are concerned about the continued increase in cost of production over the years from around US$0,56 per litre in 2021, US$0,60 per litre in 2022, to the current US$0,63 per litre against unresponsive producer prices.
Retail prices for Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk over the period have fluctuated from around US$1,10 per litre in 2021 to a high of US$1,75 per litre in 2024 and currently averaging US$1,35 per litre.
Throughout much of last year, the average cost of production stabilised at US$0,63 per litre, while the average producer price remained at US$0,58 per litre.
Although this stability is a positive indicator, the persistent gap between production costs and producer prices raises concerns about the long-term viability of the dairy sector.
EV: What is the current national dairy herd?
EW: The dairy herd is approximately 67 000 cattle and of these, 40 575 are milking cows.
EV: What is the level of employment in the dairy sector?
EW: About 42 000
EV: What do you think can be done to boost the industry?
EW: There is a need for authorities to promote and support investment into smart agricultural technologies, such as solar grid systems, biogas usage 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.
Government needs to continue supporting national herd growth through breeding support, ensuring access to quality semen and vaccines.
It is important for the Government to expedite the disbursement and utilisation of the five percent levy on imported dairy products to re-capitalise the Dairy Revitalisation Fund. This presents an opportunity for setting up the friendly financing model for dairy farmers and ensuring capacitation for improved efficiency, targeting growth and competitiveness of the sector.
It is also important to set up on-farm breeding centres where farmers will breed animals and sell them to other farmers.
Refurbishing of milk collection centres and procurement of bulk milk tanks and milking machines, investment in fencing to control animal movement and reduce spread of diseases and dip tank rehabilitation will boost the industry.
There is a need for investment targeted at dam construction, irrigation systems development (centre pivots/drip irrigation) and borehole drilling to mitigate against climate change.
Investments in farm mechanisation to support on-farm-feed formulation, such as feed mixing, tractors, silage cutters, hay bailing kits, cooling equipment and milking machinery.
Londile Moyo