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Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
A programme to improve cattle breeding through artificial insemination in Mashonaland West Province is progressing at a slow pace due to limited resources.

The artificial insemination programme is underway in Chegutu Wards 2, 28 and 13, with the assistance of local Member of Parliament Cde Webster Shamu.

A similar programme is also under way in the Makwiro area and in Norton.

The programme, which is being spearheaded by Government with support from the private sector, is facing a shortage of resources for its continued roll-out.

Only one artificial insemination kit is being used to cover all the seven districts in the province.

One of the officials involved in the programme said the major challenge now are resources to sustain the programme since it is being rolled out to farmers for free.

“There has been private sector participation but more needs to be done to reach as many farmers as possible,” the official said.

At least 300 cattle in each district are being targeted, with the impact expected to start showing next year. The programme is also being affected by the lack of fences in farms and communal areas.

This affects the breeding process as cattle need to be isolated from the rest of the herd to avoid contamination.

As part of the initiative, a pedigree bull has been donated to the Portlett Farm community in Chitomborwizi to help improve the herd, which is generally underweight due to poor grazing and genetics.

Similar arrangements are still being worked out for other areas. Between 300 and 400 straws of frozen semen are available.

Officials from the Department of livestock declined to comment on the programme for professional reasons.