The national cattle herd increased by 2 percent to 5,24 million in the six months to June 2014

Business Reporter
Government is targeting an 80 percent growth in its calving rate to improve the depleting national cattle herd, a senior Government official said.
The cattle herd slightly increased 2 percent to 5,24 million in the six months to June 2014  from 5,16 million recorded in 2013.
Addressing stakeholders at the Agri-Business Forum in Harare yesterday Vice President Joice Mujuru said there was need for the country to restore its status as one of the largest livestock producer in the continent.

“The national calving rate increased to 49 percent in the 2013 /14 season from 47 percent recorded in the previous season and Government, however, is targeting an 80 percent increase in the calving rate,” said Vice President Mujuru.

Government has drafted a livestock development policy to guide the livestock sector.
In a bid to improve the national herd, Government has acquired 15 sets of hay cutting and bailing equipment to supply hay to Matabeleland province at a minimal cost.

The strategy is meant to reduce loss of livestock due to starvation resulting from drought induced hunger.
Meanwhile, day-old chicks production for the year 2013 increased 38 percent to 72 million from 52 million recorded in the prior period.

Production of broiler day-old chicks for 2013, increased 17 percent to sit at 64,4 million.
Vice President Mujuru said average monthly broiler meat production increased 36 percent to 2 600 tonnes in 2013 from 1 900 tonnes recorded in the previous year.

Vice President Mujuru said Government will receive the first tranche of a $98 million loan facility secured from Brazil under the more food for Africa programme next month.

The first tranche of $38 million will come in the form of irrigation and mechanisation equipment.
“A total of 36 irrigation schemes have been resuscitated to date covering a total of 3 060 hectares. The funding will go towards rehabilitation of irrigation schemes like Bonde and Nyanyadzi irrigation schemes which cover a total of 300 hectares,” said Acting President Mujuru.

She said rehabilitation of some sections is in the final stages with all pumps and pipes having been delivered on site.
In addition the European Union availed about 6 million euros for irrigation scheme rehabilitation in Manicaland and Matabeleland South to improve irrigation hectarage.

“The work done by the EU is commendable and Government hopes that more development partners will emulate such a good work in enhancing the country’s food security,” she said.

Last year, Government unveiled a $160 million agriculture input support programme that managed to support over 1,6 million households to stimulate production.
Following the implementation of this programme the maize production for the year increased slightly over 1,45 million tonnes from 798 600 tonnes obtained in the previous season.

Vice President Mujuru said tobacco and cotton remain critical crops that enhance livelihoods of many households in the economy.
In the 2013 /14 season, a total of 107 000 hectares were put under tobacco production which is a 21 percent increase compared to 88 000 of the previous season.

“Preparations to support small holder farmers for the next season are at an advanced stage and Government remains committed to the capitalisation of Agribank so that loans can be disbursed to farmers at competitive interest rates,” said Vice President Mujuru.

Despite Government efforts to resuscitate the irrigation sector, other initiatives have been implemented to ensure the resuscitation and improvement of the national cattle herd.