Prince Sunduzani, Business Reporter
THERE is a need for smallholder livestock farmers to commercialise beef production in order to meet both local and export demand.

Speaking at a beef and leather value chain stakeholders meeting in Lupane recently, the sector’s lead consultant Dr Paul Chatikobo said smallholder farmers were key in improving the country’s beef exports.

Zimbabwe has an estimated 5.5million cattle and 90 percent of the herd is with small holder farmers.

“Smallholder farmers should be capacitated to commercialise their operations. When you commercialise your operations you are guaranteed good returns. It is important for farmers to be equipped with good animal husbandry skills to improve the quality of the national herd,” said Dr Chatikobo.

He said smallholder cattle farmers must embrace genetic improvement to boost beef production.

Dr Chatikobo said farmers should consider Artificial Insemination (AI) which will not only improve quality but also boost livestock production.

Last month, the Government launched Command Livestock programme with the first phase targeting 6 000 semen straws and 3 600 artificial inseminations with an expected yield of 1 800 bulls and 1 800 heifers.

The second phase of the programme will be up-scaled to 16 000 semen straws.

@PrinceNkosy102