Zimbabwe’s 2014 raw milk production rose a marginal 1,49 percent to 55 479 075 litres compared to 54 667 095 litres in 2013 as the various dairy schemes by private players have started contributing to production.

Milk and dairy products producers which include Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited, Alpha and Omega, Nestle Zimbabwe, Dendairy among others last year embarked on dairy heifer importation schemes to boost milk production.

The industry is currently operating at 45 percent capacity with an estimated 223 registered dairy operators and a total dairy herd of about 26 000 animals.

Figures released by the Dairy Services Department in the Ministry of Agriculture Mechanisation and Irrigation Development show that monthly production peaked in the second half of the year averaging 4,7 million litres as feedstock was locally available at affordable costs.

Feedstock heavily account for a significant cost in raw milk production, as farmers usually import feed, resulting in animal count rationalisation.

According to the figures, intake by processors was almost flat, increasing 0,68 percent at 49,48 litres compared to 2013 level of 49,14 million litres.

Retailed milk for the year was 5,9 million litres compared to annual 2013 level of 5,5 million litres. The country has 15 dairy processors, seven of which are major players within the sector.

Despite the growth in milk production, Zimbabwe is still lagging behind other Sadc countries in terms of volume production.

Zimbabwe has become a net importer of milk and milk products as the country struggles to meet the national demand of 120 million litres per annum.

Analysts believe that serious investment is required in the sector and Government as part of the policy should also offer incentives to make the sector more attractive to investment. – Wires.