Dairy incentives to boost milk production
DODOMA: LIVESTOCK service providers will now earn rewards after delivering verified results under a new government-backed scheme aimed at boosting milk production and raising farmers’ incomes.
The three-year AgResults Tanzania Climate-Smart Dairy Prize Competition, launched in partnership with Heifer International Tanzania (HITZ) and other stakeholders, will reward providers for measurable improvements in Artificial Insemination (AI), animal health, animal feed and livestock husbandry.
The project will be implemented in Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya and Morogoro Regions, where dairy development programmes are already underway.
Launching the initiative in Dodoma on Wednesday, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ms Ng’wasi Kamani said the results-based approach will ensure investments in livestock services translate into tangible benefits for farmers.
She said providers offering AI services will receive 15 US dollars (approximately 39,700/-) for every verified successful pregnancy achieved using quality semen provided at an affordable cost.
“If a farmer uses quality semen at an affordable cost and the cow becomes pregnant and this is verified, the service provider will receive 15 US dollars for each cow. The reward is based on measurable results,” Ms Kamani said.
She further said that independent assessors would verify that services were delivered at approved prices and met the required standards, while cautioning providers against using the scheme as a reason to increase charges to farmers.
Ms Kamani said improving productivity remained a priority despite the country having more than 40 million livestock.
“We are aware that our country has more than 40 million livestock, but productivity from these animals is still not high. Through such efforts, we are introducing projects with measurable results,” she said.
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Tanzania Dairy Board Registrar, Mr George Msaja said the project will also focus on increasing milk production and expanding markets to give farmers more reliable outlets for their products.
HITZ Executive Director, Mr Mark Tsoxo said the organisation has worked in the country for more than 50 years, reaching about 1.3 million livestock-keeping households and distributing around 282,000 heifers while supporting the dairy value chain.
Project presenter, Ms Edna Lusuva said annual milk demand stands at about 13 billion litres, compared with production of only 3.1 billion litres, a gap she linked to low-yielding cattle breeds and inadequate use of quality feeds.
She said the initiative would help increase milk output by encouraging farmers to adopt better feeding practices while expanding market opportunities.
PwC Audit Manager, Mr Nelson Msuya said the firm had been appointed as the independent verifier and would assess accounting records, sales receipts, production records and other supporting documents to confirm results.
Dairy Producers Association Chairman, Mr Hamisi Mzee said farmers and industry stakeholders would work together to implement the initiative and improve milk production nationwide.
