The Sunday News
Vusumuzi Dube Sunday News Reporter
ZANU-PF Secretary for Production and Labour, Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire, has challenged farmers in the Matabeleland region to work towards the revival of the region’s status as the best cattle producing area.Cde Mavhaire, who is also the Minister Energy and Power Development, was speaking at an Agricultural Productivity Promotion field day that was held at Mr Mkhulunyelwa Nkomo’s Hay Grange Farm in Mangwe district, Matabeleland South.
He said cattle ranching was the backbone of industrial resuscitation in the region.
Cde Mavhaire said it was in that light that the Government had embarked on a drive to ensure that it increased the national herd especially in the Matabeleland region.
“We have industries like Bata and the Cold Storage Company, all these have direct links to cattle ranching. Just imagine the impact it will have if these industries are resuscitated and this can only be done if we improve our breeding techniques and further increase the herd.
“As Government we have embarked on a three step programme where we firstly aim to increase the national herd then we push our farmers to breed quality animals as well as encourage them to turn breeding into a business. What we are saying is that the farmers should pay particular attention to the type of bulls that they breed,” said Cde Mavhaire.
He noted that the region still had the potential of reviving its status as the best breeder in the country adding that what was needed was for the farmers to take their game a step up.
“So far I have visited 16 out of the targeted 40 farms. I will tell you that Matabeleland region is still a rung up in terms of the breeds that are here. All what has to be done now is addressing the issue of diseases and further getting rid of those breeds that have stunted growth.
“I am also particularly worried with the figures, as in my visit I have realised that the region has very few livestock which at the end of the day is unfortunate because while the breeds are rich they are still very few,” said Cde Mavhaire.
He urged farmers to take up artificial insemination to help further improve their breed.
Cde Mavhaire further noted that the time had come for resettled farmers in the country to realise that they should make a significant contribution towards the revival of the country’s economy.
“My only worry now is the issue of pastures which are being affected by these persistent veld fires, we can’t just continue destroying our pastures because it is our cattle that are affected at the end of the day,” he said.
The field day saw a number of farmers converge on Mr Nkomo’s farm who revealed that he started with just 15 cattle in 2000 and now has 600 beasts.
“My only secret is hard work, I remember when I began with my 15 cattle I thought this was not possible, but today I stand here to give testimony that us as resettled farmers can really contribute towards the revival of the country’s economy,” he said.
