HomeOld_PostsMilk production declines

Milk production declines

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MILK production went down by three percent from 55,9 million litres in 2012 to 54 million litres in 2013 as dairy farmers were affected by depleted grazing and high operational costs.
According to the Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Ministry a rise in milk production was only recorded in the first quarter with levels going down from May to December.
In August the country produced the highest number of litres 4,8 million but the figures fell short by four percent from the 4,9 million litres produced in August 2012.
Prior to the Land Reform Programme, dairy farming was dominated by white commercial farmers but a significant number of resettled farmers have taken up the trade.
The agriculture ministry has said high cost of production was inhibiting the growth of dairy farmers.
The cost of stockfeeds, electricity used in the storing of milk and machines for milking the cows were beyond the reach of most farmers, said the ministry.
“Stockfeeds were available on the market though the majority of smallholder farmers could not afford them,” read the First Crop and Livestock Assessment Report produced by the ministry.
Farmers were also affected by the failure to contain livestock disease outbreaks.
The assessment report indicates that more than 1 500 deaths were recorded out of the 6 600 cases of tick-borne diseases.
Masvingo, Mashonaland West and East had the highest number of cases recorded.
More than 1 600 cases of Foot and Mouth were recorded and 21 187 cattle were vaccinated in Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland North.
“High cattle mortalities in Matabeleland North and South were attributed to drought,” said the ministry.
Dairy farmers have remained resilient despite the challenges the sector is facing with them calling on Government to establish one authority that regulates the sector to improve on development and help cut costs.
There are several government arms that regulate the dairy industry.
Currently dairy producers are paying levies to the Environmental Management Authority, Dairy Services department, Agriculture Marketing Authority, Local Authorities and Zimbabwe National Water Authority among others.
Experts contend that reviewing the Dairy Act, which was failing to cope with modern trends, would clarify the linkage between stakeholders and create opportunities for change.
Government plans to review the Dairy Services Act to ensure it meets emerging trends worldwide.
The Act was last reviewed in 1977.
The dairy herd has dwindled as the agriculture sector was not spared from the economic challenges that hit Zimbabwe as a result of the illegal sanctions.
Government failed to finance the sector.
The sector is poised for growth on the back of concerted efforts from players in the sector.
Before the programme, communal farmers kept small herds of domestic animals mainly for consumption and draught power in the fields.

The table below shows monthly milk production in litres.

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