Zimpapers Logo

Beitbridge Bureau
Deputy Minister of Agriculture responsible Livestock Development and Production Paddy Zhanda has called on Government to channel more resources towards livestock production and ranching across the country. He said these two were the backbone of agrarian development and key to the country’s economic development.

Deputy Minister Zhanda described animal husbandry as a major source of livelihood for people in Masvingo and the Matabeleland regions.

The deputy minister, who is on a national tour of livestock projects, made the remarks at Lutumba Business Centre in Beitbridge yesterday.

He said Government needed to urgently come up with a policy that seeks to inject new investments in communal areas where animal husbandry is prevalent.

“From what we are getting on the ground so far, it is apparent that very few resources are being channelled towards livestock production projects.

“It is important that as a Government we support livestock producers especially in this part of the country (Matabeleland region) where cattle rearing, game ranching and irrigation farming are the sources of livelihood,” he said.

Deputy Minister Zhanda added that there was need to assist livestock farmers with equipment to harvest stock feeds, to access affordable vaccines, and to get the requisite training and skills to run their businesses.

He said his tour was aimed at familiarising himself with the situation on the ground regarding marketing of livestock, the state of pastures, the genetics of the animals, and any other issues affecting farmers.

Deputy Minister Zhanda called on farmers to be business-minded and not hold onto their livestock for prestige.
“We are saying people need to look at their livestock with a business mind. We cannot have a situation where cattle are dying of hunger or people continue to live in poverty yet they have large herds of cattle.

“They should learn to sell some cattle and use the proceeds for their upkeep (and to buy) vaccines and stockfeeds,” he said.
Deputy Minister Zhanda said Government would deal with abattoir owners who were ripping off farmers by charging exorbitant fees for their services and facilities.

He said in some cases the farmers were being charged $100 for slaughter services and such conduct was “morally unacceptable”.