GOVERNMENT is holding a livestock conference in Bulawayo aimed at improving genetics and enhancing disease control measures to boost the country’s herd.
The conference is being held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds.
In a statement yesterday, the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry said the conference was expected to provide a platform for industry players to explore ways of improving productivity and value addition in the livestock value chain.
“The livestock conference will bring together breeders, processors, suppliers, investors and policy-makers to deliberate on the growth and transformation of the livestock industry in Zimbabwe,” the ministry said.
“The gathering is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security, increase incomes for farmers and promote sustainable agricultural development.
“The conference will focus on strengthening production systems, improving genetics, enhancing disease control measures and promoting investment in processing and value addition.”
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The ministry said the interventions were critical in ensuring that the livestock sector contributed meaningfully to the national economy.
The conference is expected to highlight opportunities available to investors in feed production, abattoirs, leather processing and dairy development, as the government promotes private sector participation in agriculture.
According to the ministry, collaboration between the government, farmers and the private sector remains key to achieving growth in the livestock sector.
“Stakeholder engagement through such conferences enables the sector to identify challenges, share knowledge and come up with practical solutions that will improve productivity and competitiveness.”
The livestock sector is one of the major pillars of Zimbabwe’s agricultural industry, contributing to food security, employment creation and export earnings.