NON-AVAILABILITY of a milk processing plant in the Matabeleland region is severely hampering the growth of dairy farming, forcing many farmers out of the sector due to financial constraints and logistical challenges.
In 2019, Dairibord Zimbabwe Holdings shut down more than half of its processing plants across the country, including its Bulawayo facility, citing low milk volumes.
The closure left farmers in the Matabeleland region with limited options, forcing them to rely on Dendairy in the Midlands province, which is the country’s second-largest dairy producer.
In an interview, an Umguza-based dairy farmer, Benedict Gilbert Moyo, revealed that there are 67 registered dairy farmers in the region, covering areas from Beitbridge and Plumtree to Victoria Falls and Gweru.
“We have three milk collection points, but the biggest challenge is funding to establish our own processing plant. Regulatory hurdles are also a major obstacle as setting up a company requires approval from nearly 14 authorities, each charging around US$700. This is prohibitive for most farmers,” he said.
He emphasised the need for access to the National Venture Capital Fund to help the industry grow.
“We don’t want handouts but we need affordable, long-term loans. Dairy farming requires at least 24 to 36 months before seeing returns, but financial institutions aren’t offering such terms,” Moyo added.
He said power cuts have further crippled production in the sector as farmers cannot maintain the cold chain. “Zesa’s power cuts disrupt the cold chain, l leading to milk spoilage. If milk fails quality tests due to temperature fluctuations, farmers lose 600 to 800 litres daily which is a huge financial blow,” he said.
Moyo also complained that the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) has strayed from its core mandate of funding agricultural activities. “AFC should support farmers, not fund personal property projects. If they realign their priorities, the sector could recover faster,” he said.
With proper funding, regulatory easing, and reliable power, Moyo said Matabeleland region’s dairy farmers could revive the sector, and boost local milk production.
“For now, however, the lack of infrastructure and support continues to stifle growth, pushing many out of the industry,” he said.— NEW ZIANA
