Zimbabwe Government unveils initiatives to enhance dairy sector growth

ZIMBABWE – The Government of Zimbabwe has rolled out numerous initiatives, including targeted training, cutting-edge research, infrastructure development and improved access to financing, to foster growth in the dairy sector.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said this during the 11th edition of the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) in Beatrice.

“The dairy industry is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing four percent to national gross domestic product (GDP) and employing over 42 000 individuals. The sector has made significant strides in working towards achieving the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) targets and is now transitioning to NDS2, focusing on boosting milk yields, promoting value addition and enhancing climate resilience,” he said.

He noted the dairy sector had seen notable progress, with raw milk production rising by 15 percent from 99 821 752 litres in 2023 to 114 699 440 litres last year. The total dairy herd has grown by 72 percent from 38 201 in 2017 to 65 660 last year.

Furthermore, the Government pledged to ensure that dairy farmers benefit from Government mechanisation and irrigation development programmes.

“The Government acknowledges concerns regarding Value Added Tax (VAT) regulations, multiple levies and high transaction costs burdening farmers. Government also reaffirms its commitment to re-capitalise the Dairy Revitalisation Fund (DRF) through the five percent levy on imported dairy products,” he said.

Government, private sector and development partners have been supporting national herd growth through breeding support, ensuring access to hybrid semen and vaccines, pasture development through input support programmes for all classes of dairy farmers as well as through support in prioritisation of power to dairy farmers to maintain cold chain.

In spite of recent progress, he explained that Zimbabwe’s dairy sector continues to face significant challenges, including erratic weather conditions, rising feed expenses, and restricted access to both markets and financial services.

“The Government is committed to addressing these challenges through various initiatives, which aim to support dairy farmers and enhance the overall competitiveness of the sector,” he added.

It was noted that the nation will be milk self-sufficient this year if it achieves its anticipated 15 percent growth from 115 million litres of milk last year to 132 million litres this year. 

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