Zimbabwe's Dairy Sector Embraces Artificial Insemination to Boost Milk Output
Source: The DairyNews
The Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) has launched a nationwide artificial insemination initiative aimed at bolstering the nation's dairy cow population and enhancing milk production.
The program seeks to elevate milk output to meet the country's increasing demand.
Zimbabwe witnessed a nine percent surge in milk production to 99.82 million litres in 2023 from 91.39 million litres in the previous year. However, the annual milk requirement hovers around 120 million litres, prompting the need for supplementation through imports.
In an interview, Mrs. Paidamoyo Chadoka, CEO of ZADF, highlighted the association's efforts to make semen available at subsidized rates to facilitate affordability for farmers. She emphasized the importance of artificial insemination in breeding initiatives to amplify dairy herd numbers and milk production.
The availability of both conventional and sexed semen at ZADF's office in Harare and provincial branches underscores their commitment to promoting milk production.
Mrs. Chadoka acknowledged the support from industry stakeholders and development partners such as We Effect under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) project. She encouraged all farmers, including beef producers interested in dairy genetics, to access subsidized semen to enhance their herd's productivity.
Despite these efforts, the impact of the El Nino-induced drought is being felt in dairy farms, leading to reported declines in milk production. Mrs. Chadoka expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development for supporting drought mitigation initiatives.
Meanwhile, recent data from the Ministry's Dairy Services Department revealed a notable 21 percent increase in Zimbabwe's milk production during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This growth trend underscores the importance of sustainable strategies to maintain upward momentum in milk output.
Dr. Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts with ZADF to sustain growth in milk production despite challenges like the fluctuating cost of feed, particularly during El Nino years.
Zimbabwe witnessed a nine percent surge in milk production to 99.82 million litres in 2023 from 91.39 million litres in the previous year. However, the annual milk requirement hovers around 120 million litres, prompting the need for supplementation through imports.
In an interview, Mrs. Paidamoyo Chadoka, CEO of ZADF, highlighted the association's efforts to make semen available at subsidized rates to facilitate affordability for farmers. She emphasized the importance of artificial insemination in breeding initiatives to amplify dairy herd numbers and milk production.
The availability of both conventional and sexed semen at ZADF's office in Harare and provincial branches underscores their commitment to promoting milk production.
Mrs. Chadoka acknowledged the support from industry stakeholders and development partners such as We Effect under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) project. She encouraged all farmers, including beef producers interested in dairy genetics, to access subsidized semen to enhance their herd's productivity.
Despite these efforts, the impact of the El Nino-induced drought is being felt in dairy farms, leading to reported declines in milk production. Mrs. Chadoka expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development for supporting drought mitigation initiatives.
Meanwhile, recent data from the Ministry's Dairy Services Department revealed a notable 21 percent increase in Zimbabwe's milk production during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This growth trend underscores the importance of sustainable strategies to maintain upward momentum in milk output.
Dr. Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts with ZADF to sustain growth in milk production despite challenges like the fluctuating cost of feed, particularly during El Nino years.
23.09.2024
Carbon emissions in global milk production - the elephant in the room
I have been thinking to make this post yes/ no. I decided for yes and like to ask everyone to not "shoot the messenger". The chart shows an analysis of IFCN Dairy Research Network from the 2024 supporter conference in Poland.
