ZIMBABWE’S milk output is expected to reach 70 million litres next year from current 64 million litres, but the figure still falls far short of the national demand of 120 million litres.
Report by Business Reporter
According to the 2013 National Budget, lactating cows would register a 4% growth to reach 12 500.
“Signs of recovery are emerging in the dairy farming with 4% growth in the number of lactating cows to 12 500 in 2013. Dairy production is, therefore, set to improve in 2013 with output of 70 million litres of milk up from 64,5 million litres estimated in 2012,” said Finance minister Tendai Biti in his 2013 National Budget.
Biti said contributing factors towards recovery included the on-going support initiatives through Nestlé’s initiative of importing dairy cows and partnering with ADRA, Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union, Commercial Farmers’ Union and the National Association of Dairy Farmers.
The current milk levels, which remain below the national milk requirements of about 120 million litres per annum, according to Biti, present opportunities for further investment in the dairy sector. Annual milk production in 2011 increased to 50,6 million litres from 47 million litres the previous year.
