Nestlé Zimbabwe expects to import 500 dairy cows at a cost of $1 million by the end of the year under the company’s dairy revolving fund scheme meant to boost milk output.
BY VICTORIA MTOMBA
Speaking at the Buy Zimbabwe local summit, Nestlé corporate affairs manager, Farai Munetsi said the company has invested $14,3 million in a dairy cow revolving fund that would run over 10 years. The programme started in 2011.
“The 500 cows will cost $1 million. Chitomborwizi farmers will get 100 dairy cows this year and currently, they are producing 13 000 litres of milk and were expected to produce more than 50 000 litres of milk by year end. We are planning towards year end and beginning of next year to bring the dairy cows,” he said.
Last year, the company trained 110 small scale farmers in Chitomborwizi and 20 farmers were given 100 dairy cows under its dairy revival scheme.
Munetsi said farmers in Chitomborwizi will this year receive 100 dairy cows, adding that Nestlé would give 300 dairy cows to commercial farmers.
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He said the country should produce more maize as it was a raw material for many industries that include the food and beverage sector, confectionery industries and packaging, among others.
Munetsi said the company recently launched small Cremora packs to cater for the demands of the customers.
The company produces Cerevita, Cremora, Cerelac, Everyday milk powder and other products.