The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
The Livestock Growth Plan (2021-2025), through programmes such as the Presidential Livestock Scheme, the tick grease blitz, the Rural Poultry Scheme, the Goat Pass-on Scheme and the rehabilitation of dip tanks will see the sector growing from US$900 million to US$1,9 billion by 2025.
The scheme has already enabled the sector to register significant progress and survive disease outbreaks that were threatening its viability, a senior Government official has said.
Speaking in Makoni during a dip tank rehabilitation programme recently, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr John Basera said livestock production is an important pillar of the agricultural sector and contributes to the livelihoods of an estimated 70 percent of the country’s rural population.
Dr Basera said the growth plan will see the sector’s revenues doubling from US$900 million by 2025.
“The tick grease programme launched in November 2020 reduced deaths due to tick-borne diseases like January disease by 47 percent in the first year and 39 percent in the second year.
“The programme will be continued until the tick-borne disease challenge is addressed.
“Under the Rural Poultry Scheme, at least three million households will receive 10 indigenous chicks as part of a targeted empowerment programme.
“Each household will be receiving 10-week-old chicks, stress packs and chicken mesh.
“We will start with the most vulnerable households in the society selected by committees at ward level and these will include women, orphans, the elderly and people with disabilities, among others,” said Dr Basera.
He added: “The Goat Pass-on Sheme targeting rural households with the aim of improving the genetics and the carcass weight of goats will be launched next month. The silage and pasture production scheme is also on its way to enhance milk production.”
Dr Basera also handed over certificates to 32 villagers who underwent a livestock rearing course that was conducted by the Department of Veterinary Services.
Makoni Central Member of Parliament, Mr David Tekeshe donated a heifer to the villager who came tops in the programme.
Four others got 50 broiler chicks each to kick-start their projects.
