National milk production increases

Zimbabwe’s raw milk production for September 2021 increased 6, 42 percent to 6, 98 million litres compared to same period last year.

However, according to the Dairy Services produced data, milk retailed by producers in the same month dipped by 4, 03 percent to 579 669 litres from 604 032 litres last year.

At 7, 1 million litres, August milk production was 10, 52 percent in the positive compared to August last year where production stood at 6, 42 million litres.

February 2021 recorded a decline in the number of litres produced at 5,42 million litres from 6,07 million litres realised in February 2020, translating to a decline of 10, 68 percent.

The development comes hot on the heels of renewed efforts to bolster dairy production in the country particularly through the recently launched cattle ranching joint venture project between Zimplats and Palmline holdings in Mhondoro by President Emerson Mnangagwa.

The multimillion dollar cattle project intends to boost milk production to 150 million litres in 2025 from 77 million litres total realised in 2020.

The improved milk production is mainly attributable to good rains received in the 2020- 2021 rainy season, which contributed immensely to the availability of pastures and stockfeeds.

Although the rains were decent for crop farming, animal rearing was affected as the above normal rains experienced in the country also generated animal diseases.

On the other hand, Dairibord Zimbabwe achieved a record first half sales volume performance in five years after overall volumes jumped 54, 5 percent ahead of the same period last year.

In a statement accompanying half year financials, the group indicated that it remains committed to supporting local farmers to grow milk supply through actively promoting lower cost operating models in a bid to bring prices back to regional parity in the coming period.

Currently, the local dairy herd is estimated at 37 000 with an annual milk production that averages 77 million litres, which entails that the dairy herd is limited to satisfy the local market demand of 150 million litres.

Data from Dairy Services reveals that Zimbabwe’s dairy herd summed to 38 000 in 2018, compared to a high of 123 721 in 1990.

At its lowest Zimbabwe’s milk production was 37 million litres in 2009. Zimbabwe’s lowest dairy herd was recorded in 2008 at 22 000.

The dairy sector contributes to the economy through milk production, the manufacture of dairy products, trade and employment.-eBusiness Weekly