The Government has intensified efforts to safeguard Zimbabwe’s national herd by facilitating large-scale local production of acaricides in partnership with domestic manufacturers, including Coopers Zimbabwe.
Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, announced the initiative during an on-site assessment of the production programme in Bulawayo yesterday.
“Securing the national herd is a cornerstone of our US$8.2 billion agricultural development goal.
By partnering with local producers, we are ensuring that farmers across the country have timely access to critical livestock inputs, which is vital for the health and productivity of our cattle,” said the Deputy Minister.
Deputy Minister Marapira said the programme is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Zimbabwe’s self-reliance in agricultural inputs.
“Local production not only secures supply chains, but it also promotes industrial growth, creates employment opportunities, and ensures sustainability of our livestock sector,” he added.
Coopers Zimbabwe, a leading veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer, has committed to scaling up production of acaricides to meet national demand.
The company said it will work closely with government agencies to streamline distribution and ensure affordability for smallholder and commercial farmers alike.
“The collaboration with the Government demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting livestock, supporting farmers, and contributing to the country’s food security objectives,” a Coopers Zimbabwe representative said.
Zimbabwe’s livestock sector is a major contributor to national food security and economic development.
Government strategies under the agricultural development programme focus on modernising animal husbandry, expanding veterinary services, and increasing access to inputs to enhance productivity and competitiveness in domestic and regional markets.
