National herd unlikely to meet 5,8m target
http://www.theindependent.co.zw/
Friday, 29 July 2011 12:54
Happiness Zengeni
BASED on the growth of the calving rate, Zimbabwe’s national herd of cattle
will maintain a steady trend but might not meet the 5,8 million target set
in the mid-term fiscal policy.
Finance minister Tendai Biti said during the 2010/2011 season, the calving
rate was 45% up from 35% in 2009/2010. Based on that, the national herd
should grow from the current 5,156 million to 5,8 million against the 2010
amount of 5,16 million, supported by US$7 million set aside in the 2011
national budget.
Zimbabwe’s national herd of cattle has been on a downward trend and might
not meet the 2011 target of 5,8 million from the current herd of 5,156
million (2010: 5,16 million).
According to latest figures from the draft census from the Livestock and
Veterinary Services, Masvingo is still the top producer at 997 634.
Matabeleland North and South make up a combined total of 1,082 million.
Masvingo province carries the greatest amount of cattle totaling 997 634.
Bikita district has 87 579 cattle; Chiredzi 196 616; Chivi 120 755; Gutu 184
418; Masvingo 128 098; Mwenezi 180 850 and Zaka 99 318.
However communal farmers own the bulk of the cattle at 2,67 milllion, which
are however not for commercial purposes. Owing to favourable weather
conditions, Mashonaland East has the highest amount of dairy cattle at 1
152.
Agricultural experts say in order to improve the national herd, there is
need for grassroots investments by government into transforming communal
cattle ranching into commercial.
Experts say this can only be successful by focusing on technology and the
high input costs, particularly for feed.
Globally it is estimated it is estimate that production of livestock will
double in the next 50 years.