CommuTalk Reporter
ZHOMBE: As the government’s public and private partnership initiative continues to bear fruits, non-governmental organizations have come on board to launch the Dendera Cattle business center in a move aimed at boosting the country’s national herd.
The cattle business center is a one-stop-shop where farmers are capacitated with requisite knowledge and skills on the value chain on cattle rearing mechanisms up to marketing their products
The center also presents farmers with a platform to fatten, treat as well as market their cattle at competitive prices through an auction system.
Midlands Province head of Project BEST, Jahannes Chikarate said the program is tipped to guard against famers losing cattle due to lack of knowledge.
“We have also realized that most farmers are losing cattle due to lack of knowledge. Most farmers’ herds are characterized by inbreeding which does not add value to farmers.
“Inbreeding results in stunted growth and as such we are bringing on board bulls that are vetted on the basis of adaptability to a particular area. These will also help in cross-breeding and we believe farmers will ultimately get value for their cattle,” Chikarate said.
The government says it will continue to support initiatives that strengthen positive transformation in communities.
“Let’s come together and push the country’s development trajectory forward. My office is in support of such projects. The project helps us realize our vision of an upper-middle-income society by 2030. We are in the right direction,” said Midlands Agritex Officer, Madeline Magwenzi.
The Dendera Cattle Business center through the project is set to directly benefit more than 1000 families who are registered in the scheme with thousands more expected to benefit through downstream projects.
