Zimbabwe takes strides towards milk self-sufficiency

Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe is on the brink of achieving self-sufficiency in milk production, marking a crucial step towards meeting the national annual requirement.

A reliable source within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries , Water , Climate and Rural Development has disclosed that the country has witnessed a steady growth in milk production, with a remarkable 8.7% increase during the 11 months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

The source who spoke on condition of anonymity stated, "Zimbabwe has made commendable progress in milk production, with an 8.7% surge equating to 90,311,809 litres in 2023, compared to 83,069,092 litres in 2022."

This surge signifies a pivotal advancement, positioning Zimbabwe closer to meeting the national annual requirement of 130 million litres, with production in 2023 surpassing 75% of this target.

Highlighting the strategic significance of this growth, the source emphasized, "Becoming self-sufficient in milk production is crucial for our nation. It not only ensures food security but also has economic implications, reducing our reliance on imports and bolstering the local agricultural sector."

Furthermore, Zimbabwe's stride towards milk self-sufficiency aligns with its broader agricultural goals. The country has already achieved self-sufficiency in wheat and coffee production, positioning itself as a potential breadbasket and a key player in the global coffee market.

In 2023, Zimbabwe's wheat production saw a notable increase, making the nation self-sufficient in this staple crop. Economic analysts predict that this development will significantly contribute to making Zimbabwe the breadbasket of Africa.

Samuel Chikukwa, an economist echoed these sentiments stating, "Zimbabwe's commitment to self-sufficiency is paying off. The benefits extend beyond economic gains, encompassing food security, job creation, and a more resilient agricultural sector."

As Zimbabwe takes bold strides towards self-sufficiency in various sectors, the Ministry of Agriculture remains optimistic about the future. The source concluded, "These achievements underscore the resilience and commitment of our agricultural sector. We are determined to build a self-sufficient and economically robust Zimbabwe."

This growth in milk production, coupled with achievements in wheat and coffee self-sufficiency, signals a promising trajectory for Zimbabwe's agricultural landscape, positioning the nation as a regional and global player in the years to come.