A small scale dairy farmer inspects her cows in this file photo

Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) has projected a five percent increase in milk production anchored on the association’s dairy herd revitalisation programme.The country recorded a marginal increase in milk production to 55,5 million litres last year from 54, 4 million litres the previous year.

ZADF chairman, Craig Follwell said the association had come up with a five year plan aimed at doubling milk production from the current levels.

“Milk production increased marginally by 1, 5 percent last year compared to 2013. All things being equal milk production will increase by five percent this year,” he said.

“In the next five years, we want to see a surge in milk production.”

Statistics availed by the ZADF show that local milk production stands at average of about 4, 5 million litres per month against national demand of 8 million litres monthly. The deficit is being offset by imports mainly from South Africa.

Follwell blamed high input costs, especially stock feed and power tariffs, which he said had made local milk prices uncompetitive when compared to imports.

He said his organisation was lobbying for the introduction of levies on dairy milk products.

“Input costs need to be lowered and more dairy heifers need to be acquired locally or imported to increase production,” Follwell added.

Meanwhile, the government has waived acquisition of dairy farms in a move aimed at stimulating the dairy industry. In 2013 the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe availed a financial package to the dairy producers at preferential interest rate, which assisted dairy players in improving the viability of the sector.