Government has launched an emergency nationwide livestock dipping programme aimed at controlling tick-borne diseases following the loss of more than 10,000 cattle across the country.
The programme, supported through Treasury funding, is designed to boost the production and distribution of acaricides while strengthening disease prevention measures to protect the national herd. Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira confirmed the intervention during a tour of the AgroShape chemical manufacturing plant in Graniteside, Harare.
Speaking during the visit, Marapira said the initiative was critical in combating January Disease and other tick-borne infections, which continue to threaten livestock production and rural livelihoods. He praised Treasury for swiftly supporting key stakeholders to ensure adequate chemical supplies, adding that maintaining at least a six-month national stockpile of dipping chemicals is essential for future preparedness.
AgroShape Director Tonderai Mukubvu said the company is among three local manufacturers producing acaricides and is working closely with government under the national programme. He commended authorities for providing financial support that enabled production to begin early this year.
Mukubvu revealed that the company’s plant has a production capacity of about 5,000 tonnes annually — exceeding current national demand — with deliveries already underway across provinces. AgroShape is currently supplying Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East, where adequate stocks of dipping chemicals are now available.
He expressed optimism that consistent implementation of the dipping programme will significantly reduce cattle mortality rates, noting that continuous dipping remains the most effective defence against tick-borne diseases.
Government officials say the intervention forms part of broader efforts to safeguard livestock, protect farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.Top of FormBottom of Form
