ZIMBABWE’S dairy industry recorded a 7,5% increase in milk production during the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2025, according to latest statistics, showing sustained growth in milk volumes.
Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers policy officer Antonnette Chigwe confirmed the upward trend, noting that the sector is steadily progressing towards meeting national milk production targets.
“We have witnessed a 7,5% increase in milk production in the first quarter compared to last year,” she said.
“This is attributed to favourable policies being instituted by the government and private sector, such as training programmes and improved pasture management.
“We have also received good rains, which provided a conducive environment for dairy cows to produce more milk.”
She added that the national dairy herd had also expanded by about 7,5%, positioning the country on track to achieve the annual target of 130 million litres of milk, required to meet domestic demand.
Zimbabwe has traditionally relied on imports to supplement local milk supply, but the current growth trajectory is expected to significantly reduce the import bill, experts said.
An economist with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, Prince Kuipa, said the positive trend reflected strengthening performance in the broader agricultural sector.
“Milk demand has, over the years, been higher than supply,” he said.
“However, this gap is now being addressed through co-ordinated government and private sector interventions.
“As supply continues to rise, we expect a reduction in imports, which clearly demonstrates that agriculture is on a growth path.”
According to the latest national crop and livestock report, the dairy herd has increased to 70 000 cattle, up from
65 000 further reinforcing the sector’s recovery and expansion.-newsda
