Milk output brooks drought challenges

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DESPITE the impact of the El Nińo-induced drought, dairy industry players in Zimbabwe anticipate a 13,2 percent increase in milk production, reaching 113 million litres in 2024.

While production rose nine percent to 99,82 million litres in 2023, this fell short of the projected 100 million litres and the target of 103 million litres.
“Although an increase will be attained it is below what we would have actually projected for the year,” said Zimbabwe Association for Dairy Farmers (ZADF) chief executive, Paidamoyo Chadoka.
“The El Nińo weather conditions have serious implications on access to feed by farmers.”
Chadoka highlighted the challenges faced by farmers due to deteriorating pastures, reduced yields for on-farm grown feeds, and the high cost of dairy feed, all of which negatively impact milk yields.
Despite these challenges, data from the Dairy Services Department of the Agriculture ministry reveals a 21 percent increase in milk consumption by processors in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Retail milk output also rose by 18 percent. May milk production saw a significant increase of 20,71 percent compared to May 2023.
Chadoka attributed this growth to several factors, including a significant increase in the number of milking cows due to previous investments in herd growth, and the contribution of new entrants into the industry.
“Technically, most dairy breeds favour cool weather conditions hence milk yields tend to increase in winter where animals do not suffer heat stress,” Chadoka added.
Statistics indicate a 13,4 percent increase in the dairy herd from 2022 to 2023, with the milking herd standing at 39 811 in 2023.
Despite these positive trends, Zimbabwe still relies on imports to meet its annual milk requirement of approximately 120 million litres.
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