Help dairy sector find export markets  State urged

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 15:20:37 +0000

By MAILESI BANDA

THE Dairy Association of Zambia says the demand for milk may saturate in the next few years hence the need for the government to promote the export sector by introducing incentives.

DAZ, policy officer, Kapoche Mwale said Zambia should pursue a deliberate policy of export development, adding that the local demand for dairy products will in the near future saturate leaving no room for growth.

Mr. Mwale appealed to the government to introduce incentives that will encourage producers to explore the export markets.  He said these could include lowering taxes for companies that export milk.

Mr. Mwale advised that market studies to explore opportunities for milk in the region should be carried out.

Mr. Mwale called for a campaign to promote the consumption of milk among Zambians to support the growth of this sector.

“Zambia should promote demand for milk consumption to meet the World Health Organisation recommended per capita consumption of milk.”

“Currently, the per capita consumption is only 16-19 litres, far short of the 200 liters recommended by WHO,” he said.

Mr. Mwale also proposed that the Government should also introduce milk rations to government institutions like the police and other service personnel in addition to the school feeding program.

He said a dairy sector investment programme should be instituted to support the growth of the dairy sector, adding that such investments will promote the establishment of milk collection centres in various parts of the country.

Mr. Mwale advised that under the same programme, small holder farmers could be given loans for pure breed diary animals, good cross breeds and small equipment like bicycles for milk deliveries.