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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

PLAYERS in the leather sector have expressed optimism over the continuous improvement in leather quality as farmers gain experience, leading to a reduction in the rejection rate from nine to five percent.

Livestock branding has been identified as one of the major factors affecting leather quality. While branding is a mandatory practice for easy identification and traceability, many livestock farmers are unaware of techniques that can minimise damage to hides.

Experts in the leather sector have urged the Government to facilitate information dissemination to educate farmers on proper branding techniques that preserve leather quality.

Speaking on the sidelines of the recently held Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) leather value chain seminar in Bulawayo, Shoe Manufacturers and Tanners Association chairman and Bata Shoe Company country manager, Mr Simon Mutisya, said there have been significant improvements in leather quality, attributing this to better information reaching farmers.

Delegates following proceedings at the CZI leather value chain seminar.

“The quality of leather we get from farmers has had some concerns, particularly regarding branding practices. However, I am pleased that farmers are now more aware of proper branding techniques,” he said.

Mr Mutisya said it is widely acknowledged that branding on the neck is the best practice, and the focus should now be on encouraging the Government to incentivise farmers to adopt and maintain this approach.

Previously, the rejection rate of raw hide was between six and nine percent, but Mr Mutisya noted that there has been a decline to about five percent, an indication that farmers are receiving the necessary information.

He said farmers still need support from stakeholders to enforce and scale up best practices.

Industry experts have also suggested that farmers consider using electronic chips for animal identification instead of traditional branding methods. These chips provide a computerised tracking system for livestock, eliminating the risk of hide damage.

The leather value chain remains a critical component of agro-processing. The CZI seminar brought together stakeholders from across the value chain, from farmers to manufacturers, to discuss ways to enhance leather quality and the importance of research and development to meet international standards.

Meanwhile, players in the leather sector have raised concerns over the high cost of production, noting that many raw materials are being imported. This has reduced the competitiveness of locally manufactured leather products, as imported alternatives tend to be cheaper.

The sector is calling for strategic interventions, including policy support and investment in local production facilities, to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s leather industry. —@SikhulekelaniM1