The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
COMMERCIAL farmers should extend their expertise and resources to communal farmers in order to help them improve their production levels, which remain relatively low, a Cabinet Minister said. Senior Minister of State in the President’s Office Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo said on Wednesday this was key in bringing food security to rural communities as most families relied on farming as their source of livelihood.
He urged livestock farmers to contribute towards reviving the Cold Storage Company.
“Most parts of the country received good rains, which improved the condition of livestock. Therefore there is a need for farmers to supply the Cold Storage Company with cattle so that it can be revived.
“The national herd is under threat and there is need for cross breeding. I would like to urge the commercial farmers to provide rural communities with special breeds for this purpose. The quality of meat, which we produce as a country should not deteriorate,” Ambassador Moyo said.
He applauded the community of Dombodema in Bulilima District for taking up the cattle branding programme.
“I am impressed by the good response from the Dombodema community for seeing the importance of branding cattle and now they have been named the model village for Bulilima and Mangwe Districts.
“The area of Bulilima and Mangwe has been able to realise a 45 percent decrease in cases of stock theft this year. This new model of branding cattle will ensure that such a drop is realised nationwide,” said Ambassador Moyo.
He also applauded white farmers who donated two bulls to the district of Bulilima for contributing towards improving the state of livestock in communal areas.
“The district recorded good rains and the condition of cattle has improved but these master bulls, which have been donated will revive livestock productivity in the district. This is the kind of partnership that we need from farmers. While the Government is busy trying to ensure economic security is realised, farmers should maximise on their production and ensure that it benefits the whole nation. Farmers are key players in achieving food security and nutrition among communities. They have an important role to play in implementing the Zim-Asset guidelines,” said Ambassador Moyo.
“I would also like to urge producers to process and add value to natural resources rather than sending them as raw materials. Adding value to our produce will increase our returns.”
Ambassador Moyo urged people to desist from buying unbranded cattle.
“Livestock are an important pillar in the sustenance of the indigenous livelihoods over generations. It is against this background that we have to protect and safeguard this wealth against culprits.
“Therefore branding of cattle has to be adopted by all districts nationwide. Once animals are branded stock theft cases wil come to an end. Since the branding exercise has been introduced nationwide I would like to urge butchery shops as well as other individuals to buy animals that are branded,” said Ambassador Moyo.
He applauded the efforts by the police towards enhancing the growth of the national herd.
Speaking at the same occasion National House of Assembly member for Bulilima West, Retired Major Lungisani Nleya said: “The concept of branding livestock will curb crimes of stock theft which are high in the district. We will also rid ourselves of the problem of stray animals.”
