Business / Economy
Zimbabwe improves on raw milk production
02 Apr 2013 at 11:34hrs | Views
Raw milk production in Zimbabwe increased slightly in the first two months of the year compared to the same period last year as most farmers intensified operations while new ones joined the industry.
Figures released by the dairy services department show that 8 858 060 litres of raw milk were produced in January and February this year, up from 8 543 608 litres in the first two months of 2012.
Zimbabwe's 2013 milk output is expected to reach 70 million litres from last year's 55 929 694, although the figure still falls far short of the national demand of 120 million litres per annum.
Milk production plummeted over the decade ending 2009 to one million litres per month due to high production costs sparked by hyperinflationary conditions that prevailed in the country then.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Chief Dairy Officer Tendai Marecha said milk production had continued to increase since the adoption of multiple foreign currencies in 2009.
"We are witnessing an increase in milk production in recent years and we really commend producers and processors for the effort they are making to up production," Marecha said.
"The increase can also be attributed to the good rains which were received at the beginning of the season which ensures enough pastures for dairy cows in most parts of the country."
Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited, embarked on a milk supply development programme during the fourth quarter of 2011 by importing 250 heifers which were allocated to farmers across the provinces.
The move by the company follows a similar one by Nestle Zimbabwe that saw the Swiss-controlled multinational investing $14m into the importation of 2 000 heifers distributed to raw milk producers association members in some parts of the country.
Zimbabwe has the highest producer price for raw milk in the world at between $0.55-59 a litre against $0.35-39 a litre in South Africa, $0.18-20 a litre in Uganda, $0.28 in Kenya, $0.22 in the US and $0.14-21 in New Zealand.
Currently, there are 223 registered dairy operators in the country and an estimated dairy herd of about 26 000 animals.
At its peak Zimbabwe produced over 150 million litres of milk annually, exporting into the region and beyond.
Figures released by the dairy services department show that 8 858 060 litres of raw milk were produced in January and February this year, up from 8 543 608 litres in the first two months of 2012.
Zimbabwe's 2013 milk output is expected to reach 70 million litres from last year's 55 929 694, although the figure still falls far short of the national demand of 120 million litres per annum.
Milk production plummeted over the decade ending 2009 to one million litres per month due to high production costs sparked by hyperinflationary conditions that prevailed in the country then.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Chief Dairy Officer Tendai Marecha said milk production had continued to increase since the adoption of multiple foreign currencies in 2009.
"We are witnessing an increase in milk production in recent years and we really commend producers and processors for the effort they are making to up production," Marecha said.
Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited, embarked on a milk supply development programme during the fourth quarter of 2011 by importing 250 heifers which were allocated to farmers across the provinces.
The move by the company follows a similar one by Nestle Zimbabwe that saw the Swiss-controlled multinational investing $14m into the importation of 2 000 heifers distributed to raw milk producers association members in some parts of the country.
Zimbabwe has the highest producer price for raw milk in the world at between $0.55-59 a litre against $0.35-39 a litre in South Africa, $0.18-20 a litre in Uganda, $0.28 in Kenya, $0.22 in the US and $0.14-21 in New Zealand.
Currently, there are 223 registered dairy operators in the country and an estimated dairy herd of about 26 000 animals.
At its peak Zimbabwe produced over 150 million litres of milk annually, exporting into the region and beyond.
Source - CAJ News
