Shamva – The government has partnered with the China Aid Zimbabwe agriculture rehabilitation of Bushu Dip Tank in Shamva District, aimed at strengthening livestock disease control and improving rural livelihoods in the area.
The dip tank, located under Chief Bushu in Chakonda Zone, was officially handed over during a completion ceremony for the China-Zimbabwe Agricultural Cooperation Projects, attended by government officials, technical experts, and local farmers.
In Zvimba District, Mashonaland West, a poultry hatchery centre is now producing more than 2,000 day-old chicks per month, benefiting over 300 households. Some farmers involved in free-range poultry production are reportedly earning up to US$400 per month.
Speaking during the event, team leader of Chinese Agricultural Expert Group Dr. Zhao Ke said the upgraded dip tank is now equipped to meet key animal health requirements.
“It is a great pleasure to join you today for this significant moment, the completion ceremony of our agricultural cooperation projects,” said Dr Zhao.
“We have comprehensively upgraded and renovated this cattle dipping tank. The facility can now support epidemic prevention services, including dipping, diagnosis, treatment, immunisation, and sampling for up to 600 cattle, ” he added.
He said the infrastructure is supporting diversified farming activities, including crop production, cattle rearing, and poultry farming.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the strong cooperation between the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, local authorities, and farming communities,” he said.
The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture chief director in the Department of Veterinary Services, Pious Makaya, said the cattle dipping tank rehabilitation is timely, as farmers are struggling with tick-borne diseases affecting cattle productivity.
“The rehabilitation of the facility comes at a critical time when farmers are battling tick-borne diseases that continue to affect cattle productivity across the country.”
A beneficiary, Mr Jiti in Shamva who spoke to the media commended the China-government efforts saying the help is timely and much needed.
“We are happy with this project, it is time because we have lost so many cattle, but the drip tank is here to rescue,” he said.