Zimbabwe's dairy sector sees 7.5% production growth in first quarter

Zimbabwe's dairy industry experienced a 7.5% increase in milk production during the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2025. Antonnette Chigwe, policy officer for the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers, confirmed this upward trend, attributing it to favorable government and private sector policies, including training programs and improved pasture management. Good rains also contributed to a conducive environment for dairy cows. The national dairy herd has expanded by approximately 7.5%, growing from 65,000 to 70,000 cattle, positioning the country to meet its annual target of 130 million liters of milk for domestic demand. This growth is expected to significantly reduce Zimbabwe's reliance on milk imports, a traditional practice to supplement local supply. Prince Kuipa, an economist with the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, noted that this positive trend reflects strengthening performance in the broader agricultural sector, with coordinated interventions addressing the historical gap between milk demand and supply.