The Sunday News
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has said Government is working on a raft of measures among them re-introducing feed lots to minimise the effects of drought that is threatening the depletion of the national cattle herd.
He said Government was also engaging a number of companies to help with addressing food deficits for general citizens.
The Vice-President made the remarks in an interview on the sidelines of the National Day of Clean Up event held at Pagomba Café in Beitbridge’s Ward 5.
“We are not going to leave any stones unturned in trying to save the national herd and people from hunger.
“This is not the first time for us to experience such a devastating drought. We had a similar situation in 1992 where Government had to step in and save the national herd from depletion.
“We then came up with what became known as feedlots where farmers took their cattle for feeding and they survived. For instance here in Beitbridge, we have one such place at Tshapfuche (Ward 5).
“However, the area dilapidated and we may need to revive that, so that we give the livestock fodder or beef survival.
“We will bring fodder or hay from other areas that have had rains and this will be rolled out in phases”.
Vice President Mohadi said Matabeleland South, Masvingo and part of Midlands provinces were the holding area of national herd and that it was equally important for Government to step in and assist the cattle farmers.
He said livestock production was a source of livelihood and that it also contributed a lot in terms of national economic development.
“We are going to make it happen, we take it upon ourselves that we save the national herd. As we also make interventions to save people from the drought, let me reiterate that no one will starve to death.
“Though we have a deficit of 800 000 tonnes of grain, there are contingent plans to import maize from either Zambia or the companies who have always supported us whenever we had problems,” said the Vice President.
He continued; “We are going to make it a point that people don’t starve that will be across the board. In short the programme will be apolitical”.
The country’s national herd is estimated to stand at around 5,2 million and most cattle are said to be at high risk of succumbing to the El Nino-induced drought.
Further according to the World Food Programme (WFP) this year nearly 5,3 million people are food insecure.
