By Agencies
ZIMBABWE’S dairy industry is on a growth trajectory, with milk production expected to increase by 12% to over 110 million litres this year from around 99 million litres in 2023.
From around 70 million litres in 2018, milk production continues to increase as the government and the private sector boost investment in the sector.
Presenting milk production figures for 2023, Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers chief executive officer, Paidamoyo Chadoka, said the country is on course to sustaining annual milk requirements of at least 120 million litres.
“The year under review has been characterised by huge milestones as the private sector positively responded to Government interventions in facilitating a complete revival of the industry, the development has resulted in the continued increase in milk output as production volumes reached over 99 million litres last year from over 85 million litres in 2022, this reflects the commitments towards ensuring that the dairy sector contributes immensely to the overall economic development of the nation,” she said.
Chadoka also outlined the future growth prospects of the industry.
She added, “The rise in milk production is being reflected by the increase in overall output value chains that have translated into increased viable margins, it is all for the consumers to see for themselves regarding the availability of locally produced milk products, the sustainability of the trend depends on a stable economic climate so that farmers can plan and be certain of viable returns.”
The government is expecting the continuous rise in local milk production to ease import bill pressures for the commodity.
