News / Local
Minister Made argues cattle farmers to de-stock their cattle
13 Feb 2016 at 08:13hrs | Views
The Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Joseph Made has said farmers are challenged to de-stock their herds in order to avoid losing their livestock through drought.
Made was responding to questions asked by an MP Murunga Murunga.
"My question is directed to the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development; we hear that in Masvingo a lot of livestock has been lost. What measures have you put in place to alleviate the plight of cattle that are dying in Masvingo. We hear that maize is now going to be put in place for the people that are starving. What are you going to do for the livestock?" he asked.
Minister Made said, "First and foremost this is directed towards all livestock farmers. We envisage that farmers that are in the arid lands that do not have sufficient rainfall and enough pastures, should de-stock before the livestock die of famine or lack of grazing," he said.
"I am saying so because in some areas there has not been any rainfall as a result we do not have grazing pastures. We will not be able to give them supplementary feeding for their cattle as Government. Government on its programme to alleviate the suffering of the people due to famine or drought is that we have in place measures to reduce the effects of the loss of farmers that are into livestock farming."
Made said there are areas where we are moving cattle from one area to the other to ensure that there is enough grazing.
"The key point is livestock farmers should de-stock and sell most of their cattle before they die," he said.
In some parts of the country villagers are reported to be selling their cattle at between $20 and $30.
Made was responding to questions asked by an MP Murunga Murunga.
"My question is directed to the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development; we hear that in Masvingo a lot of livestock has been lost. What measures have you put in place to alleviate the plight of cattle that are dying in Masvingo. We hear that maize is now going to be put in place for the people that are starving. What are you going to do for the livestock?" he asked.
Minister Made said, "First and foremost this is directed towards all livestock farmers. We envisage that farmers that are in the arid lands that do not have sufficient rainfall and enough pastures, should de-stock before the livestock die of famine or lack of grazing," he said.
Made said there are areas where we are moving cattle from one area to the other to ensure that there is enough grazing.
"The key point is livestock farmers should de-stock and sell most of their cattle before they die," he said.
In some parts of the country villagers are reported to be selling their cattle at between $20 and $30.
Source - Byo24News
