Cabinet has approved the $300 million Special Programme on Livestock Production that is expected to run for between three and five years.
Livestock farmers from all sectors — communal to A2 and institutions including churches, Prisons and Police farms across the country are expected to benefit. A2 farmers are however expected to anchor the programme.

The programme will cover all aspects of livestock including beef cattle, dairy cows, pigs, sheep, goats, fish, wildlife and small stock such as poultry and rabbits.

The fund will also go towards foot and mouth disease fences, resuscitation and establishment of dip tanks, watering points and livestock infrastructure.

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made said yesterday that the programme will boost crop production for stockfeeds, resuscitating the leather industry, and production of tally for soap.

It is also expected to boost production of blood and bone meal which the country is importing. “Cabinet has approved the programme submitted by the committee on Food Security and Nutrition chaired by vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.