By Promise Dube
Farmers in Ward 5, Insiza South, benefited from a presidential livestock drought mitigation feed distribution yesterday at Bekezela Business Centre.
According to Ward 5 Councillor Ngobe Masonga, the government prioritised villages with high livestock mortality and starvation rates.
“Villages that benefited are Mabuze, Atherstone, Dandabagwa, Mbaulo, and Sakwe,” Masonga said.
The councillor reported that approximately 1 509 livestock and 365 farmers benefited from the feed, with each individual receiving enough feed for five cattle, totalling 16 kilograms per animal.
Masonga added that this was the first distribution in Insiza District and that Ward 5 was the first to receive the feed.
“We received 24 tonnes of stock feed, which was distributed among 365 farmers. Each farmer received an allocation based on the number of cattle that met the criteria, with a maximum of five in the categories of bulls, cows, and heifers,” Masonga explained.
“This will greatly benefit us, especially at a time when our animals are starving, and some have already died,” he continued.
The councillor noted that the feed was distributed fairly and that Agritex and the Department of Veterinary Services would collaborate to train farmers on its proper use.
He encouraged the community to find ways to sustain their animals despite financial challenges.
“We are urging villagers to make their feed using tree leaves, molasses, and salt to keep their livestock alive,” he added.
