Accessibility links

Breaking News

Zimbabwe, FAO Attempting to Rescue Dying Livestock


The drought has also gripped some countries in southern Africa.
The drought has also gripped some countries in southern Africa.

The government has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in providing subsidized stock feed to farmers in Chiredzi, Masvingo province, gripped by a crippling drought that has left thousands of cattle dead in the district since June 2015.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union president, Wonder Chabikwa, welcomed the move saying this will save thousands of livestock being killed by the current dry spell.

Farmers in Chiredzi, who are benefiting under this program, are expected to pay for the stock feed.

The Herald reported that the partnership will provide 450 tonnes of stock feed to farmers at a subsidized price of $8 per bag instead of the current price of $14.

But Chabikwa said while they welcome the move, it may be a little too late in other areas because many farmers have already lost their cattle to the drought.

“The subsidized price is good too, but not all farmers will be able to raise that $8,” Chabikwa said.

He also welcomed the rains that hit the country beginning this week, adding that they will bring relief to most farmers though crops are already a write off in some parts of the country.

“Farmers who want to take advantage of the wet spell should think of planting crops that mature early.”

please wait

No media source currently available

0:00 0:01:32 0:00
Direct link

XS
SM
MD
LG