Zimbabwe saves US$5M in dairy imports with 18% increase in milk production

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s dairy sector has recorded significant growth, saving the country US$5 million in dairy imports in the first nine months of the year. 

This achievement stems from an 18% increase in raw milk production, which rose from 72 million to 85 million liters compared to the same period last year. 

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) noted that dairy imports fell 29% in value, from US$18.3 million to US$12.9 million, and 12% in volume, from 4.86 million to 4.29 million kilograms.

This reduction in imports has been driven by increased production of milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. 

However, the local market still faces challenges in achieving cost competitiveness. According to Dairy Processors Association of Zimbabwe (DPAZ) secretary general Tendayi Marecha, local raw milk remains more expensive than imports due to high costs of water, electricity, and fuel.

Zimbabwe currently requires 131 million liters of milk annually for self-sufficiency. However, projections indicate that by the end of 2024, this target could be met, supported by favorable weather conditions and strategic government interventions. 

These include importing dairy cattle with improved genetics, better forages, and enhancing breeding techniques through artificial insemination.

In 2023, raw milk production is expected to increase by 15%, from 100 million to 115 million liters. 

To meet the current shortfall, Zimbabwe has relied on importing cheaper powdered milk. However, fiscal measures introduced by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube aim to gradually reduce dependency on imports.

 The sliding scale for milk powder imports, set to drop from 75% in 2023 to 25% by 2025, has already shown positive results.

The dairy industry’s growth has been further bolstered by an expanding national dairy herd. According to the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF), the herd increased by 13.4% from 53,250 in 2022 to 60,398 in 2023, surpassing the 2025 target. 

ZADF chairman Edward Warambwa commended farmers’ resilience despite challenges posed by El Niño conditions, which affected pastures and water availability in September.

Chitomborwizi Network stands as a model of agricultural collaboration

Meanwhile,in Makonde district’s Chitomborwizi area, the Chitomborwizi Network has celebrated 28 years of promoting agricultural productivity. 

Initially formed in 1996, the Network spans 40,000 hectares and has carved a niche in dairy and crop production. 

Starting with 100 in-calf heifers imported from South Africa in 2015, the Network now manages around 1,000 heifers and operates three milk collection points, supplying companies like Nestlé.

The Network exemplifies collaboration, drawing on expertise from prominent figures such as the late Dr. Swithan Mombeshora and Professor Caiphus Nziramasanga. 

Chairman Peter Muzariri emphasized the importance of revitalizing production through collective efforts, particularly following the decline in output after the first generation of farmers.

Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo highlighted the need for knowledge transfer to younger generations, urging them to adopt smart agriculture techniques. 

She lauded the Network’s role in advancing Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda, emphasizing increased productivity as a cornerstone of economic development. 

Collaborations with organizations like the Zimbabwe Open University, ZADF, and Nestlé are helping to drive this mission forward.

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