Minister Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo

Brighton Gumbo Business Reporter
BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs Minister Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo, says researchers should come up with a new agriculture model for Matabeleland region to enhance improved output.

The last few years have seen the region recording poor yields due to erratic rains and this has affected food security for both humans and animals.

Some areas are already in need of food aid within a few months after harvesting with veterinary experts warning of dwindling pastures for livestock.

Speaking during an annual dairy farming indaba in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Minister Moyo said the government was ready to assist farmers in developing requisite infrastructure such as irrigation schemes.

She, however, said such support should be anchored on a viable production model and challenged technocrats to come on board. “I encourage researchers to come up with dairy production templates, which are suitable for Matabeleland. Some projects, such as Umzingwane Dairy Scheme, have shown that it’s feasible for small- holder dairy farmers in the semi-arid region to produce and conserve high quality forage for dry season feeding of dairy cows, thus making dairy production a potentially viable enterprise in this region,” said Minister Moyo.

“Due to drought, some farmers don’t have capacity to properly feed their livestock, resulting in low milk production. There’re other constraints such as lack of continuity of supply of good quality feed, either grazing or conserved forage.

“There’s therefore a serious need for investment in water infrastructure if the potential of dairy farming in Matabeleland is to be achieved.”

Last year Matabeleland region contributed 11,4 percent of the national annual milk production.

There are 36 registered dairy producers, one large scale milk processor and four medium scale processors in Matabeleland with monthly milk demand pegged at more than a million litres, Minister Moyo said.

The gap demand is filled by milk imports largely from South Africa.

“The region is characterised by erratic rainfall making water a scarce commodity. This has a serious impact on viability and profitability of dairy production in Matabeleland. What is however encouraging is that despite the challenges, there has been an improvement in production in the region from 300,000 litres per month in 2007 to 2008 when the dairy sector was almost facing collapse to 470,000 litres per month,” she said.

Minister Moyo said raw milk processing was in line with the government’s thrust on value addition.

She said production of yoghurts, cheese and dairy juices by local firms resulted in them realising more from the milk as opposed to selling raw milk.

Minister Moyo said the government recognises dairy farming as a catalyst for promoting development.