Elita Chikwati

Senior Reporter

Livestock farmers in Masvingo, Midlands, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North provinces have started receiving inputs under the Presidential Livestock Scheme, which is meant to boost animal nutrition and curb drought-related deaths.

Since 2015, the country has lost a total of 154 517 cattle worth US$61 million due to drought, while an average of 30 903 cattle valued at about 15 million die of drought every year.

This does not include deaths due to diseases and other environmental shocks.

To mitigate against the effects of drought, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement through the Department of Livestock Production and Development is implementing the programme “Creation of Forage Banks” in areas severely affected by drought.

Department of Livestock Production and Development acting director, Mr Alban Mhindurwa, said the programme was targeting at least 500 000 households.

“Each household with cattle will receive a 20 kilogramme bag of Compound D fertiliser and one of the three legume pasture seed packs; 5kg velvet beans, 2,5kg lablab beans and 2,5kg of sun hemp after production of a stock card and registration,” he said.

“The area to be covered is approximately 61 334 hectares when the programme is completed mid-February 2021.

“The set of inputs will be applied to two Pfumvudza crop size plots and farmers must use draught power to prepare the plots and sow seeds within the shortest possible time after receiving the inputs. Monitors will be constantly visiting and assessing progress on the ground.”

Mr Mhindurwa urged farmers to constantly check with the Grain Marketing Board depots nearest to them to collect the inputs for immediate planting.

The harvest will be used for forage, providing the much-needed protein source during the next dry period.

“Farmers will undergo training in “On-farm Feeds Formulations” before crushing and mixing the two forages,” said Mr Mhindurwa.

“Extensive ‘On-farm Feeds Formulation Training and Demonstration’ using molasses, urea, salt and the two forages will be conducted as part of technology, skills and knowledge transfer.”

Mr Mhindurwa urged farmers to report abuse of the inputs to law enforcement agents.

The forage programme will be complemented by a hay cutting and baling programme that will provide the bulky feed.