By Bright Zhou
Hama Ruwomba Dairy cooperative based in Masvingo is appealing for dairy cattle from government and other private players to boost its herd as the association is failing to meet demand.
This was revealed during World Milk Day commemorations held at the cooperative headquarters in Masvingo North near Mushagashe Training Centre on May 31, 2024.
Speaking at the event, Hama Ruwomba Cooperative Chairperson Christopher Somerai said the cooperative was appealing for dairy cattle since it only has a herd of four, resulting in them sourcing milk from surrounding farmers to meet the market’s demand.
“We only have four dairy cattle and the demand for milk is high. This has resulted in us buying milk for resale from farmers in surrounding areas as we sometimes face milk shortages for days. We are appealing to the government and Non-Governmental Organisations to support our cooperative with more cattle to increase milk production for sustainable dairy farming,” said Somerai.
Member of Parliament for Masvingo North Constituency Brian Mudumi said he was going to present the association’s plea to government for the association to boost its herd for to enhance production.
“The small number of dairy cattle at this cooperative is affecting milk production yet demand is very high. On behalf of this cooperative i will communicate with government to provide more dairy cattle to increase milk production,” said Mudumi.
The Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Vijay Khanduja, who toured the cooperative urged dairy farmers to take good care of their cattle stressing the importance of good cattle health in milk production.
“Dairy farmers should take good care of their cattle, in India most farmers have recognized that a cow’s comfort and health is important in the overall sustainability efforts as healthy and well treated dairy cattle produce healthy milk.
“When it comes to animal care, nutritious diets, healthy living conditions and good veterinary care are practices routinely used by our farmers to keep their cattle healthy,” said Khanduja.
Khanduja commended Hama Ruwomba Dairy for its diligence in contributing towards the country’s food security.
“This dairy cooperative is doing a good job in contributing towards the country’s food security despite some challenges they are facing. Farmers should be motivated and inspired to increase milk production through the support from government programmes, private sector and other development interventions,” said Khanduja.
Ward 3 Councillor Jadiel Makahore said the government gave farmers heifers but they forgot them and appealed for intervention saying the cooperative was supplying milk to a huge number of people and was contributing towards the President’s vision 2030.
“Hama Ruwomba supplies milk to various wards in Masvingo and is failing to meet the demand. The government gave heifers to farmers and forgot us so we are appealing for help since this cooperative is contributing towards achievement of vision 2030,” said Makohore.
Hama Ruwomba was established in 1999 with 18 farmers who contributed and bought dairy cattle through ARDA but the number has gone down to 11 farmers.
