Private/public sector partnership vital for livestock sector growth

Zimbabwe’s government pledged to protect and promote stud breeding in recognition of the continuing importance of the stud industry in providing top-quality seed stock to enhance livestock production in the country.

This year’s 56th National Breed Sale, held on Friday, July 26, 2024, was officially opened by Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Davis Marapira. The event is held by the Zimbabwe Herd Book in conjunction with CC Sales.

“My ministry values input of stakeholders in crafting policies and strategies to grow the livestock sector. Effective engagement between beef value chain actors and government requires strong and inclusive stakeholder organisations. That is why I am very pleased with the continued growth and strengthening of the Zimbabwe Herd Book and the recent establishment of the Zimbabwe Beef Producers Society.”

Speaking at the event after a tour of the sales pens, Hon. Marapira also emphasised the value of private and public sector collaborations to mitigate the effects of the El Niño-induced drought, chiefly ensuring the availability of key raw materials such as maize and wheat beans, molasses and oilseed cakes for the making of cattle survival feeds. The government is actively coordinating the harvesting of hay bales as well as drilling and rehabilitating boreholes to mitigate drought impacts in the worst affected regions, according to the deputy minister.

This year is proving to be difficult for cattle producers. The poor rains have resulted in water shortages and limited grazing in many parts of the country. In addition, of enormous concern, is the impact impact of Theileriosis which has decimated cattle in many villages, and the continued scourge of Foot-and-Mouth (FMD) outbreaks, seriously disrupting livestock production and marketing, posing a serious threat to the livestock industry.

The day before the sale the Government had announced the scrapping of the 15 per cent VAT on the sale of live animals. However, this policy change only comes into effect on August 1, 2024.