Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
ZIMBABWEAN milk producers have stepped up production to meet national demand with a Zion Christian Church owned entreprise in Masvingo producing more than 12 000 litres.
This comes as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Milk Day this Saturday.
Masvingo based milk producer, Cheek Mbungo Enterprises owned by the Zion Christian Church was established in 2021 with only 13 dairy cows.
It now boasts of 76 dairy cows, producing 12 600 litres of milk.
Cheek Mbungo Enterprises Business Development Officer, Mr Phanuel Gono says they have managed to grow the project through engaging experts and producing their own feed.
“We started very small but today we are happy to report that our herd continues to grow. We produce our own feed here, and we work together with experts, and our target is to grow our herd to 500.”
In commemorating the World Milk Day, other dairy farmers had an opportunity to conduct a look and learn programme at Cheek Mbungo Enterprises, where ZCC church leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi said the church is embracing the government’s developmental trajectory hence moves to acquire a milk processing plant and construct a milk parlour.
“This project was initiated during the covid era and we decided to do this as a church to support the government’s vision 2030. We have since acquired a milk processing plant from India, and our vision is to become one of the best producers of milk and dairy products.”
The Government rallied farmers to complement government efforts of increasing milk production in the country.
“The Government continues to support dairy farmers through various programmes and since 2017 we have been recording an increase in milk production. However we still need to do more given that the demand for milk remains very high,” said the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Davis Marapira.
With India well known for milk production, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Vijay Khanduja said there is need to support small scale milk producers.
“It is important that small scale milk producers are supported that they increase production, as India we share good relations with Zimbabwe hence the importance of exchange programmes,” he said.
The local dairy industry has recorded substantial increase in production from 66 million litres in 2017 to 100 million litres last year, translating to a 51 percent increase.
