Princess Sibanda in Beitbridge
Zimbabwe is set to witness a major milestone in agricultural development with the commissioning of the country’s largest Semen Processing and Cryopreservation Centre at the Matopos Research Institute worth over US$400 000.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, October 19, will bring together key government officials, international development partners, and local farmers to celebrate the ground-breaking project.
The centre, a product of collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is set to transform agricultural research and livestock production in the country.
Dr. Anxious Masuka, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD), will preside over the commissioning, with Dr. Ayodele Odusola, the UNDP resident representative, officially handing over the facility to the government.
The new centre will play a pivotal role in promoting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies, addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable smallholder farmers, particularly those affected by increasing climatic disturbances. This facility is part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to adapt to climate change and enhance food security through the preservation of genetic diversity in livestock.
“The Semen Processing and Cryopreservation Centre is not just a technological advancement for agriculture but a symbol of resilience and progress in Zimbabwe’s adaptation to climate change,” said Dr. Ayodele Odusola ahead of the event.
The project is valued at a total investment of $404,947.00, which includes $394,390.00 in equipment and $10,557.00 for capacity building of staff. The centre will provide top-quality semen at affordable prices to farmers, enabling them to access and preserve valuable livestock breeds, including indigenous breeds such as Tuli, Mashona, Afrikander, and Nkone. These breeds, preserved at the Matopos Research Institute, are critical for maintaining the country’s genetic diversity and agricultural sustainability.
The event will also feature a tour of the fully equipped facility, interviews with government and UNDP officials, and discussions with local smallholder farmers who stand to benefit directly from the project.
The centre is expected to play a key role in preserving the genetic material of valuable livestock while making these resources accessible to farmers across the country. This marks a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture and economic resilience in Zimbabwe.
