Government interventions in the agriculture sector are continuing to yield positive results, with Zimbabwe’s dairy industry recording a 7.5 percent increase in milk production during the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2025.
Latest statistics released this week point to sustained growth in milk volumes, signalling improved performance across the sector. The gains have largely been attributed to favourable government policies, improved pasture management practices, and good rainfall received during the period.
The Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers Policy Officer, Antonnette Chigwe confirmed the upward trend, noting that the sector is steadily progressing toward meeting national milk production targets.
“We have witnessed a 7.5 percent increase in milk production in the first quarter compared to last year. This is attributed to favourable policies being instituted by the government and private sector, such as training programmes and improved pasture management. We have also received good rains, which provided a conducive environment for dairy cows to produce more milk,” she said.
She added that the national dairy herd has also expanded by about 7.5 percent, positioning the country on track to achieve its annual target of 130 million litres of milk, required to meet domestic demand.
Zimbabwe has traditionally relied on imports to supplement local milk supply, but the current growth trajectory is expected to significantly reduce the import bill.
An economist with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, Dr Prince Kuipa, said the positive trend reflects strengthening performance in the broader agriculture sector.
“Milk demand has, over the years, been higher than supply. However, this gap is now being addressed through coordinated government and private sector interventions. As supply continues to rise, we expect a reduction in imports, which clearly demonstrates that agriculture is on a growth path,” he said.
According to the latest national crop and livestock report, the dairy herd has increased to 70,000 cattle, up from 65,000, further reinforcing the sector’s recovery and expansion.
