By Delicious Mathuthu
Mutare – Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world today, Friday June 6, 2025, in commemorating the World Milk Day, celebrated on the 1st of June annually, with national celebrations held in Mutare, Manicaland Province.
The event, hosted under the global theme “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy,” drew together farmers, processors, development partners, government officials, academia and consumers to recognize the dairy sector’s critical role in nutrition, livelihoods, and sustainable agriculture.
This year’s commemorations were spearheaded by the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust (ZDIT), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, key government ministries, and other stakeholders.
The event was held at Meikles Park, a symbolic venue that set the stage for a vibrant and inclusive celebration.
Officiating at the event, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland Province, Honourable Advocate Misheck Mugadza, praised the strides being made in Zimbabwe’s dairy sector, attributing much of the momentum to the visionary leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“His Excellency has consistently emphasized revitalizing Zimbabwe’s dairy sector as a cornerstone of agricultural transformation.
“Through programmes such as Command Livestock, low-cost feed subsidies and affordable financing for farmers, the government is supporting a sector that not only feeds the nation but powers rural development,” said Minister Mugadza.
World Milk Day, established by the FAO in 2001, is celebrated annually on the first of June to highlight the nutritional and economic importance of milk and dairy products.
This year’s celebrations in Zimbabwe focused on boosting milk consumption, increasing local production, and promoting environmentally friendly dairy practices.
The event featured a colourful march through the streets of Mutare, exhibitions showcasing a range of local dairy products and services and stakeholder discussions on promoting sustainable dairy farming and increasing the consumption of milk across all age groups.
It also highlighted the dairy industry’s contribution to national nutrition and economic growth.
Zimbabwe’s dairy industry is poised for a 15% growth in milk production in 2025, the Minister said, up from 115 million litres produced in 2024.
The growth is being driven by a combination of government support, private sector investment and improved infrastructure across the dairy value chain, he said.
Globally, milk remains a staple in the diets of over six billion people, and the FAO estimates that 750 million people, about 150 million households, are involved in milk production worldwide.
In Zimbabwe, the dairy sector employs approximately 44,000 people directly and 13,000 indirectly, Minister Mugadza said.
He also highlighted the role of dairy in combating malnutrition, particularly among children under five, and urged policymakers and industry players to make milk more accessible to low-income households.
“We must increase our per capita milk consumption from 12 litres to the World Health Organization’s recommended 200 litres per person per year.
“This is essential in the fight against food insecurity and child malnutrition,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust, Themba Mahlathini Mutsvairo, addressed the gathering, saying the dairy sector’s role in nourishing the nation, sustaining livelihoods and driving economic development.
He called for increased collaboration to promote sustainable dairy practices, invest in innovative technologies, and develop supportive policies to unlock the full potential of the sector.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Pious Makaya, said all stakeholders must champion responsible dairy farming practices.
“Let’s work together to appreciate the power of dairy and its contributions to our lives. By promoting sustainable dairy practices, we can ensure a healthier and more resilient future for generations to come,” he said.
Minister Mugadza commended the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers and the Dairy Processors Association of Zimbabwe for organizing the event and called on consumers to support local dairy products while practicing environmentally conscious waste management.
He also encouraged recycling of milk packaging and adherence to the National Clean-Up Campaign spearheaded by President Mnangagwa.
Looking ahead, Minister Mugadza further reminded stakeholders of the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo in September, encouraging the dairy sector to take a lead in positioning Manicaland as a top agro-tourism destination.
“Let us all be ambassadors of safe, nutritious foods, milk among them, and ensure Manicaland remains a shining example of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth,” he said.
The event ended on a celebratory note, with participants pledging to strengthen partnerships and expand the reach of dairy initiatives in line with Vision 2030, Zimbabwe’s blueprint for becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
