Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s dairy industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rising demand and ambitious local production initiatives. A key contributor to this growth is the newly established Lamote Dairy in Masvingo, which has emerged as a promising force in the country’s dairy landscape.
Owned by the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, Lamote Dairy has been operational since early 2024 and is already producing over 1,000 litres of milk per day. The farm supplies nearly 8,000 litres weekly to the domestic market, with bold plans to scale up to 10,000 litres daily in the near future.
“As Lamote Farm, we have a strong background in livestock production. This year, we diversified into dairy, starting with 300 cattle. While not all are lactating yet, we’ve already crossed the 1,000-litre daily mark,” said Deputy Minister Marapira.
The farm has invested in a modern milking parlour and is cultivating ryegrass to cut feed costs—one of the main challenges facing Zimbabwean dairy producers. This strategy aligns with the broader goal of lowering milk production costs and making dairy farming more sustainable.
“Milk production costs remain high in Zimbabwe. By growing our own feed and harnessing the water resources Masvingo offers, we’re showing that it’s possible to produce milk more affordably,” he added.
Lamote Dairy’s impact is not limited to production alone. In a move to promote knowledge-sharing and build capacity within the sector, the farm recently hosted students from Esigodini Agricultural College for a practical training session focused on low-cost dairy production methods.
“We have gained hands-on experience in feed production, dairy cattle management, and efficient milking techniques,” said one student.
“What impressed me most is how small-scale producers are increasingly contributing to national milk production. There is real potential for others to join this movement,” another remarked.
Beyond dairy, Lamote Farm also engages in poultry and crop production and is preparing 50 hectares for winter wheat planting—supporting Zimbabwe’s broader push for agricultural self-reliance.
Nationally, Zimbabwe’s milk production has grown from 66 million litres in 2017 to over 100 million litres in 2024. However, domestic demand exceeds 130 million litres annually, leaving a supply gap that initiatives like Lamote Dairy are striving to close.
With continued support from government-led agricultural programmes and the emergence of modern, efficient farming models, Zimbabwe’s dairy sector is on a promising path toward self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability.
