Zimbabwe sees promising rise in raw milk production for 2024

ZIMBABWE- Raw milk production in Zimbabwe has reached 48% of the revised annual target of 115 million liters in the first half of 2024, igniting hopes for a record performance, according to the Dairy Services Unit (DSU).

Originally projected to rise by 13% from last year’s 100 million liters, the latest statistics showed a 20% increase, with production reaching 55,116,145 liters from January to June 2024. June alone saw a 17% rise compared to the previous year, highlighting the sector’s positive momentum.

However, according to Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) national chairman, Mr Edward Warambwa, month-on-month production saw a slight decline from May to June, attributed to pasture deterioration and reduced water availability due to an El Niño-inspired drought.

Additionally, milk prices remain sluggish against rising production costs, affecting the push towards a 120-million-liter target.

“Previous investments targeted at herd growth, new entrants’ contribution to dairy output, improved management practices through the provision of pluralistic extension services, and improved animal health management will drive growth. Although milk production is increasing every year, the month-on-month production statistics have declined,” Mr Warambwa said.

Meanwhile, in an effort to contain production costs, farmers have increased lucerne cultivation, which has lowered costs and improved the quality of milk in two ways.

Improved breeds and forages are benefiting farmers, who are supported by the EU-funded Transforming the Zimbabwe Dairy Value Chain for the Future (TranZDVC) project.

Dr. Edison Chifamba, TranZDVC project coordinator, noted the growing adoption of lucerne among small-scale farmers. This shift has significantly reduced milk production costs, making dairy farming more sustainable.

According to Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s Masvingo district dairy dietician, Mrs. Monica Macheka, Lucerne silage’s protein content i proving advantageous over traditional maize. It allows farmers to reduce supplementary feeding costs while maintaining animal performance.

“This provides the foundation for reducing supplementary feeding costs. Replacing three kilograms of dry matter of maize silage with lucerne silage, balanced by extra cereal to raise the starch content, for example, reduces the need for rapeseed meal by 1, 3 kg,” she emphasized.

Overall, Zimbabwe’s dairy sector is on a promising path, driven by strategic investments and innovative practices aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability.

In May, Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Dairy Services Department revealed that milk intake by processors surged by 21% in the first quarter of 2024 to 25.07 million liters from 20.74 million liters in the comparative period.

Retail milk production also increased significantly, to 2.22 million liters in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 1.86 million liters in the same period of 2023, with an average output of 9.1 million liters.