HARARE - The Veterinary Services Department has submitted a US $65 million budget proposal to the Ministry of Finance for its livestock and veterinary services programme.The head of the government’s Veterinary Department, Dr Stuart Hargreaves, said the department’s proposed budget was US$65 million but the Ministry of Finance had pledged to allocate them US$8, 3 million.
“The money, which has been allocated to us is only a fraction of what we require. We need US$65 million to help us reach our target but if the US$8, 3 is the final funding we have to prioritise our activities and farmers must take responsibility and do some of the things for themselves,” he said.
Hargreaves said US$8, 3 million was not enough for the department to provide demand-driven services. He said the country had adequate dipping chemicals and sufficient concentrates for the manufacturing of the product.
“Dipping chemical is available and dipping should be normalised throughout the country. Last year we experienced some financial problems. However, this year the Ministry of Finance has given us U$1, 5 million for the procurement of dipping chemicals which I think is quite sufficient. We now have dipping chemicals in all provinces but the only problem is transporting it to the districts. We are appealing to farmers to assist us to deliver,” he said.
In 2007 the country received active concentrates of dipping chemical from China to last two years, under the Asian country’s commitment to improve Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. However, the department failed to honour its outstanding debt with the country’s leading livestock drug manufacturer
Chemplex that led to the company halting its supplies.
Post published in: World News