Zimbabwe’s dairy industry records 10M litres of milk in July

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s dairy industry has reached a record 10 million litres of milk in July, marking the highest monthly output in recent years and signalling a significant turnaround for the sector, as reported by ZBC, a partner of TV BRICS.

With this latest milestone, Zimbabwe is on course to produce over 120 million litres of milk this year, a substantial increase from the average of 80 million litres. This surge in production is attributed to the combination of governmental support and collaborative initiatives with developmental organisations.

According to sources within the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers, the boost in milk production is having a significant impact. The greater availability of milk in retail and wholesale markets is contributing to price stability, benefiting consumers nationwide.

Continued collaboration between the government, private sector stakeholders, and development partners is expected to scale up milk production in Zimbabwe further, securing a brighter future for the nation’s dairy industry.

The news comes as Zimbabwe’s dairy sector is on track to achieve a significant milestone, with milk production expected to exceed 114 million litres this year.

This projection reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to boost the industry and reduce reliance on imported dairy products. 

The anticipated output marks a notable increase from last year’s figures and aligns with the nation’s broader goal of reaching 150 million litres annually to meet growing demand.

Reported by agriculture specialists, the rise in milk production comes as a result of strategic investments and government-led initiatives. 

Last year, the country produced 99.82 million litres, a figure that dairy farmers and officials now expect to surpass. 

The national requirement stands at 131 million litres per year, meaning Zimbabwe is steadily closing the gap between local supply and demand. 

A key factor driving this growth is the expansion of the national dairy herd, which grew by 13.4% from 53,250 in 2022 to 60,398 in 2023. 

Additionally, the number of milking cows has risen sharply, reaching 39,811 last year, up 122 percent from 17,968 in 2017.

The Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) has played a pivotal role in this progress. ZADF national chairman Edward Warambwa credited the increase to improved farming practices and support from both the government and private sector. 

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