THE Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) is expanding the feedlot creation programme in a bid to improve the quality of livestock around the country.
A feedlot, also known as a feed-yard, is a land area under a perimeter fence where livestock is restricted and fed a highly specialised diet.
Prior to entering a feedlot, cattle are weighed and vaccinated.
The first phase of the programme was rolled out in Matabeleland South with the second one being initiated in Manicaland.
Under the scheme, farmers set up feedlots to gain a ready market and improve the quality of their cattle.
Contracted buyers facilitate the provision of stockfeeds.
The price is determined by the quality of the cattle.
The cattle are kept in feedlots for between two and three months before they are sold. ZFU livestock expert, Lloyd Mataya said plans were on course to spread the feedlots across the country in cattle-rearing areas.
“The issue is on primarily improving the quality of cattle before they are sold,” he said.
“Currently, we are engaging various partners for the purpose of upscaling the programme.”
Mataya said the union was also exploring viable ways of establishing similar feedlots for goats.
“We are looking at modalities for doing the same for goats,” he said, noting that, setting up feedlots across the country would add impetus to efforts to improve Zimbabwe’s cattle herd.
Setting up feedlots, said Mataya, could prove to be a lasting solution to the challenge of inadequate pastures common to low rainfall areas.
Farmers have also been at loggerheads with livestock buyers as they were being offered less.
Livestock farmers have also raised concern over livestock levy that is being illegally charged by some Rural District Councils (RDCs) on sales as the move negatively impacts the growth of local production.
Mataya urged policymakers to ensure consultations were exhaustive before putting in place legislations.
“The reason there are so many complaints, especially from the farmers, is because on some of the policies guiding the sector, they feel they were not consulted hence they should be given room to have their say,” he said.
Mataya said the issue of levies and fines that has been a major drawback in the sector should be dealt with.
“These levies, that are prevailing, erode our earnings and if thorough consultations are done before putting in place policies, such concerns will be raised and addressed,” he said.
“It is important that through review processes, players in the sector interrogate the issue of levies and fines, some of which are said to be stifling the growth of the sector.”
The issue of fines and levies in the livestock sector has taken centre stage with farmers calling on Government to intervene on the issue.
Players in the beef-producing sector have voiced against some levies charged during the sale of cattle, fees to acquire vet permits and costs incurred when acquiring police clearance when moving livestock.
Last year, the sector was negatively affected by the El-Nino-induced drought that did not only hit Zimbabwe, but the whole of southern Africa.
Most affected areas include Masvingo, Chipinge South, Chiredzi, Mberengwa, Kezi, Beitbridge and Matobo.
Livestock farmers were pushed to sell their cattle at give-away prices to opportunists.
Farmers had to either part with their animals or have them die of starvation.
With crop-producing farmers moving away from relying on rains for production to adopting the use of irrigation, livestock farmers are also putting in place measures to ensure they are not found wanting.
However, the sector, and agriculture in general, is on the path to recovery.
Efforts by stakeholders to enhance livestock production come at a time Government has stepped up efforts to preserve and boost the national herd which stands at five million.
Government plans to increase the herd to 25 million in the next 20 years.
The continued livestock disease outbreaks and stock-theft have been cited as the hindrance to increasing the national herd.
Lack of funding to the sub-sector has resulted in ranchers failing to purchase chemicals for dipping and containing disease outbreaks.