Staff Reporter
In a development which marks an important milestone in the agricultural sector since the launch of the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2020, a Bulawayo-based Boustead Beef Cold Storage Company (CSC) has been reopened.
Speaking at the launch of the CSC in Bulawayo today, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said that the re-opening of the CSC plant marked a major transformation in the agriculture sector.
“This day marks an important milestone in the transformation of our Agricultural Sector which commenced with the launch of the Agriculture and Food systems Transformation Strategy by President E.D Mnangagwa. This plant is a key component in the beef production value chain. May I hasten to state that this event is a crucial indicator of the private sector’s resolve to stimulate growth of the livestock sub sector by providing a steady market for the slaughter stock of our livestock farmers,” he said.
Vice President Chiwenga restated Government’s commitment to the re-opening of high value markets as it seeks to provide a competitive market for small holder livestock farmers who are at the mercy of middlemen.
“The goal of Government is to develop the livestock sub sector as a whole. Government is also committed to the opening of high value markets such as the Boustead beef-cold storage for cattle, goats and sheep. In this regard, it proves a competitive market for small holder livestock farmers who have suffered huge losses through middlemen and other unscrupulous players,” he said
Vice President Chiwenga beseeched the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to ensure the effective implementation of the livestock growth plan of 2021 to 2025.
“The livestock sub-sector is pivotal in the Agricultural industry not only as a key income generating enterprise for livestock farmers, but also for a whole range of socio-economic and cultural benefits which it provides. These benefits contribute to the achievement of the National Development Strategy One (NDS1). Specific outcomes derived from the livestock sub-sector include improved household and national food security and nutrition. The ultimate benefit is improved livelihoods for our people as we journey towards Vision 2030,” said VP Chiwenga.
Boustead Beef invested US$24 million for the resuscitation of the plant and intends to slaughter about 1 500 cattle a day at full operation capacity.
The revival of the long awaited CSC will bring back abattoirs to full functionality, providing raw materials to industry such as fat for soap making, and setting up of out-growers.
Boustead CSC also plans to bring more revenue into the country through exporting meat to countries such as China, Botswana, and Angola.
