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Molline Gagare Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has enough stockfeed to meet demand by livestock farmers in the wake of fears of depletion of pastures due to drought, a senior official has said.

The veterinary services department has warned of an imminent shortage of pastures especially in Matabeleland South and advised farmers to reduce the number of their herds to avert losses.

The news has sparked panic among livestock farmers who have questioned the capacity of local feed companies to meet demand.

Responding to the issue, Agriculture, Irrigation and Mechanisation Minister, Paddy Zhanda yesterday said farmers had no reason to worry as the country had enough stocks of feed.

“It’s too early to come to the conclusion that stockfeeds will be in short supply. This whole matter is being blown out of proportion,” said Zhanda.

“The country still has feed from last year’s agricultural season. We’ll make a proper assessment to find out how much has been harvested because the harvesting process is not yet over.

“If there are any shortages that might be experienced, then contingency measures will be put in place such as importing.”

However, Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) executive director, Paul Zakaria expressed pessimism, saying the anticipated decline in crop yields — after most crops suffered moisture stress — was bad news for pig, poultry and dairy farmers.

“The poor agricultural season we’ve just experienced throughout the country will have a negative impact on the pig and poultry industry. There won’t be enough raw materials for stockfeed. These animals must feed on grains like molasses, wheat bran, maize and soya,” he said.

Zakaria feared that manufacturers of stock- feed might hike prices due to the anticipated shortages of maize and soya beans, which will put a further strain on thousands of large and small scale livestock farmers.

“As it is the country is importing maize. It costs about $200 to $300 per metric tonne and this will most likely see stockfeed producers hiking prices,” he added.

Zakaria said the pig industry was failing to adequately meet the demand for pork products throughout the country.

“The pig industry is currently not able to adequately supply pork products efficiently. They’re failing to meet the requirements. This already dire situation will be worsened by a bad agricultural season that we’ve just witnessed,” he said.