Nyasha Chatambudza

Business Reporter

THE Cattle Ownership Society (COS) is set to open offices in Bulawayo and Bindura to cater for the large response of farmers in the two areas who have shown interest in joining the cattle scheme that aims at helping in rebuilding the national herd.

In an interview , COS manager Mr Enias Zungura said that due to the rising interest from Matabeleland and Bindura, COS has set targets to spread and come close to farmers around the two towns.

“Our drive is to rebuild the national herd, a process that has to start with capacitating families and individuals to own at least a herd of 10 cattle per family,” he said.

Mr Zungura said that on joining the       society, members receive a minimum of two cattle and a maximum of 100 per year depending on the membership scheme.

“The scheme offers affordable terms for all members with four categories differentiated by stipulated monthly membership fees to choose from.

COS’s schemes range from US$35 to US$17 500 payable as monthly levies.

The US$35 scheme offers a return of a 10 herd of cattle after five years, while the US$70 scheme offers a 20 herd of cattle return. US$95 offers a return of 30, while US$135 offers a 40 herd return. The fifth category is of US$165 with a return of a 50 herd of cattle after five years” said Mr Zungura.

He said members on the scheme are offered cattle certificates which indicate the number of cattle a member holds to their name.

“Cattle certificates can be used to collect cattle after stipulated dates, or to borrow money from lenders upon agreed terms and even before receiving cattle. Farmers can use their cattle certificates to acquire farming inputs and implements from the society,” said Mr Zungura.

He said the scheme offers premium returns to scheme holders in the event of death. However, the society divides the number of years with the cattle number in the premium holders’ categories to give farmers fair        benefits from the scheme.

In case of death, he said the cattle will be given to nominated beneficiaries/heirs.

Mr Zungura said that most farmers have got land but do not have cattle for draught power. He urged farmers to join the scheme.

The society offers different cattle breeds that include Brahman, Tuli, Beefmaster and Angus.

The scheme was launched last year in the capital drawing membership from across the country, operating from their head offices in Harare.

He said COS also provides beneficiaries of the scheme with funeral assistance in case of death of any society member.