Rains bring relief to Matabeleland South livestock farmers

RAINS being received in the country have brought relief to livestock farmers in Matabeleland South province whose animals were now in a poor condition because of shortage of pastures and drinking water.

Most parts of the country started receiving rains at the beginning of this month bringing hope to farmers. The Meteorological Services Department has predicted a normal to above normal rainfall season.

The condition of livestock in the province had deteriorated as animals had run out of pastures. Animals were also walking long distances to reach water points causing their condition to further deteriorate.

A farmer from Insiza District, Mr Sisa Sibanda said the rains had come at the right time when their animals were in dire need of pastures.

"We are relieved as livestock farmers because we have started receiving rains and pastures are starting to grow. Our animals were now in a dire state. Last year we received low rains which caused pastures to deplete fast. Our animals were now walking long distances to reach water points which was further affecting their condition," he said.

"At some point we need pastures for our animals because it's difficult to sustain them with stock feed as it's costly. Water is also essential as it can't be replaced. I'm hopeful that this year we will get significant amounts of rains as the Met Department has communicated."

Mr Thabani Sibanda who is an A2 farmer from Mkashi area said he had started selling some of his animals to buy stockfeed thus the rains have been a huge relief for him.

"We are hopeful that this year the situation will be much better when it comes to availability of pastures and water. We hope to receive significant amounts of rains so that we don't face another drought. Selling livestock during a drought is a huge loss for us as farmers. We usually sell our animals for way less their usual price as they will be in poor condition which makes it difficult to buy stockfeed," he said.

Mr Gift Moyo, a communal farmer from Garanyemba in Ward 13, said it was a relief that rains came before his animals deteriorated any further.

He said it was difficult for them as communal farmers to sell their animals to buy stockfeed as they had small herds.

Matabeleland South provincial livestock specialist, Mr Hatitye Muchemwa said rains were a huge relief to farmers but encouraged them to grow fodder.

He said even during seasons when pastures are good, farmers have to grow fodder for difficult times.

"While pastures are there the farmers shouldn't relax. We want farmers to think in terms of resilience. Those with bigger arable lands should have a certain area where they can plant fodder. They should be reliable and self-sustaining. This is all in a bid to ensure that farmers save their animals in every possible way. Fodder is crucial during times of drought. Instead of buying stock feed which is expensive farmers can grow their feed which is cheaper. Fodder also has nutritional benefits," he said.