A representative from the National Association of Dairy Farmers, Ajs Kirk, said the sector was now contributing two percent to national milk production thanks to donor support.
“National milk output stands at 3.5 million litres per month and small scale farmers are now producing 57 000 litres per month from zero, following support from the EU fund,” said Kirk.
Kirk added that some centres, including Risitu Valley, Gokwe and Guruve, had been re-established after their closure.
“The centres have since established a revolving fund to purchase cattle, stock feed and drugs,” said Kirk.
Mashonaland West Livestock Production Head, Passmore Gahadzikwa, said dairy farming was a capital intensive business and individual farmers could not go it alone without support from donors. He advised small scale farmers to form syndicates and pool resources in order to revive the dairy sector.
Gahadzikwa said farmers also needed expertise and should undergo training in dairy and livestock management.
Post published in: News