Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE country has recorded over 9 000 livestock deaths due to drought conditions between June and October this year with the coming of the rainy season expected to provide relief to farmers and complement Government efforts to save the national herd.
The deaths were a result of dwindling pastures and unavailability of water sources due to the effects of El Nino induced-drought that was witnessed throughout the country with Matabeleland South being the most affected province followed by Masvingo.
Official statistics obtained indicated that of the 9 263 livestock drought-induced deaths recorded in the country between June and October, Matabeleland South had the highest of 3 699, with 2 664 recorded in Masvingo, 2 087 in Matabeleland North, 707 in Midlands, 55 in Mashonaland Central and 51 in Mashonaland West.
As part of the Drought Mitigation Programming 2024, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri said 9 665 metric tonnes of the 15 000 metric tonnes of maize silage is being distributed to distressed wards in the country. “Also 147 metric tonnes of the 600 metric tonnes wheat straw are being distributed to critical wards. 107 388 cattle were saved in the one-and-a-half months of feeding maize silage. 635 wards have been identified for ward drought mitigation centre establishment and funds have been released,” he said.
He said 20 ward drought mitigation centres that were established still had watering troughs, drinking troughs and cattle holding pens still outstanding.
Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri
Prof Jiri said harvesting of wheat straw commenced on 119 000 hectares plus, while identification of farmers with fuel and casings for borehole drilling was done.
The Permanent Secretary added: “Thee Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) distributed 1 500 metric tonnes of survival feed to Buhera, Chipinge and Bikita districts at 500 metric tonnes each. In Matabeleland, Amalima Loko distributed 549,35 metric tonnes subsidised feed at $18 per 3x50kg bags beef survival.”
He said FAO also constructed watering and feeding troughs, while under Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP) 74 capacity tests were done for boreholes with 51 being successful and 23 failed.
Prof Jiri said there was development of the Drought Mitigation Tracking and Programming Database (DMTPD), Rig Activity Database and Development Partners Database in Agriculture.
“The Drought Mitigation Tracking and Programming Database (DMTPD) informed the borehole drilling and equipping for the 635 distressed wards by end of October (last month).”
In terms of feed distribution in Matabeleland South, 1 392,56 metric tonnes of maize silage was distributed to Beitbridge (33,68), Bulilima (156,46), Insiza (155,68), Gwanda (630), Matobo (107,6), Mangwe (126,8) and Umzingwane (182,34) with 22 647 animals catered for 30 days.
In Matabeleland North, 852,69 metric tonnes of maize silage was distributed to Tsholotsho (90,5), Lupane (23,6), Nkayi (140), Umguza (241,7), Hwange (16,48), Binga (100) and Bubi (240), while 14 209 animals were catered for 30 days.
Rains being received in the country are believed will bring relief to livestock farmers 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 end of last month to beginning of this month bringing hope to farmers. The Meteorological Services Department has predicted a normal to above-normal rainfall season.
