Online Reporter
Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
In a move set to transform the country’s agricultural landscape, the Government has set its sight on developing a US$1.9 billion livestock economy by 2025.
During a stakeholder workshop for the new Zimbabwe Livestock Growth Programme, Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development emphasised the need for innovative and sustainable practices in enhancing the sector.
“Some of the key targets specific to livestock in the NDS1 and the Livestock Growth Plan include the beef cattle sector. We aim to improve the beef herd from 5.5 million in 2019 to 6 million by 2025, enhance the calving rate from 45 percent to 55 percent , and increase offtake rates from six percenr to 20 percent .
“For the dairy value chain, we plan to raise the dairy herd from 38 000 in 2019 to 60 000 by 2025 and increase milk production from 79.9 million liters to 150 million by 2025 ,” he said.
“Through better breeding practices, veterinary services, and nutrition management, we expect to see a significant boost in the health and productivity of our livestock.
“By facilitating access to markets and improving supply chains, we aim to enhance the income of livestock farmers, contributing to overall economic growth in rural areas,” he said.
