via Farmers refuse to destock – Sunday News Feb 14, 2016
Tinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporter
FARMERS in the drought prone southern region are holding on to their livestock, particularly cattle, ignoring calls by Government to destock and avoid total losses due to drought. Last year, Government called on farmers in drought prone areas to consider selling part of their livestock to avoid losses as telltale signs of drought began to show in most parts of the country.
Erratic rainfall received in most parts of the country, particularly in the southern region, since the start of the rainy season saw many crops failing as well as continued diminishing of pastures, putting both people and their livestock at risk of starvation.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister in charge of Livestock, Cde Paddy Zhanda said considering the failed crops and looming food shortages in the provinces — farmers needed to start selling their cattle and buy food, rather than wait for their cattle to die of starvation and then wait for Government to give them food aid.
However, a survey conducted by Sunday News in some areas in the southern region showed that a number of farmers had not heeded Government’s destocking call, preferring to hold on to their livestock despite facing drought. The southern region covers provinces such as Midlands, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South and Masvingo.
The few that are selling cattle, albeit at ridiculously low prices, are doing so to raise school fees for their children.
Mr John Mabuda of Chirumanzu communal lands in the Midlands Province said he was prepared to take a gamble and keep his herd intact optimistic the rains would come as selling his cattle would live him poorer.
“I can’t sell four of five of my cattle at once to buy stockfeed for the remaining cattle. What then happens if the rains come? As you can see it’s promising to rain so I would rather hold on to my cattle and see what happens. This is the worst rainy season we have had so I’m sure we will survive until the next rain season,” he said.
Another villager from Mberengwa communal lands Mr Freedom Maphosa of Tichagwa Village under Chief Mataruse said he could not sell his cattle as they were a symbol of his wealth and pride.
Tinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporter
FARMERS in the drought prone southern region are holding on to their livestock, particularly cattle, ignoring calls by Government to destock and avoid total losses due to drought. Last year, Government called on farmers in drought prone areas to consider selling part of their livestock to avoid losses as telltale signs of drought began to show in most parts of the country.
Erratic rainfall received in most parts of the country, particularly in the southern region, since the start of the rainy season saw many crops failing as well as continued diminishing of pastures, putting both people and their livestock at risk of starvation.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister in charge of Livestock, Cde Paddy Zhanda said considering the failed crops and looming food shortages in the provinces — farmers needed to start selling their cattle and buy food, rather than wait for their cattle to die of starvation and then wait for Government to give them food aid.
However, a survey conducted by Sunday News in some areas in the southern region showed that a number of farmers had not heeded Government’s destocking call, preferring to hold on to their livestock despite facing drought. The southern region covers provinces such as Midlands, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South and Masvingo.
The few that are selling cattle, albeit at ridiculously low prices, are doing so to raise school fees for their children.
Mr John Mabuda of Chirumanzu communal lands in the Midlands Province said he was prepared to take a gamble and keep his herd intact optimistic the rains would come as selling his cattle would live him poorer.
“I can’t sell four of five of my cattle at once to buy stockfeed for the remaining cattle. What then happens if the rains come? As you can see it’s promising to rain so I would rather hold on to my cattle and see what happens. This is the worst rainy season we have had so I’m sure we will survive until the next rain season,” he said.
Another villager from Mberengwa communal lands Mr Freedom Maphosa of Tichagwa Village under Chief Mataruse said he could not sell his cattle as they were a symbol of his wealth and pride.
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