By Rungano Dzikira

At least one million households are set to receive tick grease under the Presidential Programme in line with Government’s Livestock Growth Plan ahead of 2020 summer agricultural season.

Government’s Livestock Growth Plan comes on the back of a depleting national herd due to raging natural diseases exacerbated by dilapidation of dipping infrastructure in communal and resettlement areas.

According to the thirty-fourth cabinet meeting decision matrix, cabinet said the tick grease initiative was a stop gap measure.

“This is a stop-gap measure while dip tanks are being rehabilitated in anticipation of improved water supplies for dipping. Farmers are being sensitised on the artificial insemination programme which is set for roll-out.

“Tick grease will be distributed to one million households under the Presidential Programme,” said Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa.

The Livestock Growth Plan comes as huge relief for farmers grappling to contain disease outbreak threatening a clean sweep of livestock. As such, the artificial insemination and rehabilitation of dipping tanks has never been timelier.

The strategic plan aims at making Zimbabwe’s livestock sector a US$1.9 billion industry by 2025. As such Government is set to augment certain aspects of the livestock industry for enhancement.

“Key strategies of the Livestock Development Plan entail the following: an animal nutrition programme; a genetics improvement programme; an animal health programme; a climate change adaptation and small stock programme; the development of market and trade infrastructure; and resource mobilisation,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.