“Raw milk remains a critical raw material for the business,” Mandiwanza said. “During the year, Group milk intake declined by 16% comprising a 20% decline for Zimbabwe operations and 15% growth in Malawi.”“National milk production in Zimbabwe was flat on 2016 at 66.4 million litres mainly due to floods in the first four months of the year and incidents of foot and mouth disease,” Mandiwanza said.
“Specific strategies include upscaling productivity for the existing herd, attracting more farmers, and growing the herd through the heifer procurement scheme,” Tsumba said.
“The Heifer Program which started in 2012, is now contributing 15% of raw milk intake in Zimbabwe.”
Mandiwanza said, “The Group has put in place several initiatives aimed at growing the herd, improving veterinary support, feed formulation and input procurement. These initiatives, together with the improved Quality Premium Scheme (QPS) will drive milk intake in 2018.”
“Government policy on land tenure, particularly issuance of 99 year leases and the command livestock scheme, will benefit milk production at national level,” Dairibord Chief Executive said.
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