By JAMES KUNDA –

THE increase in Zambia’s cattle population from 3.6 million to 4.6 million has expanded the country’s dairy production capacity by 20 million litres in 2013, the Zambia Dairy Association (DAZ) has said.

DAZ executive director Jeremiah Kasolo said in an interview in Ndola yesterday that the country’s anticipated production capacity for milk in 2013 was 220 million litres.

According to gazetted figures at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Zambia produced 200 million litres of milk in 2012.

“And in 2013, it is anticipated that the country will produce 220 million litres of milk and one of the factors that contributed to this development is growth in the cattle population.

“From the 220 million litres, the private sector would contribute about 55 million litres of milk from 48 million litres in 2012,” he said.

Mr Kasolo said the development would also improve local milk per capita consumption which is currently 20 litres per person annually.

Last week,Agriculture and Livestock deputy minister Luxon Kazabu said the country’s cattle population increased by one million heads in 2013.

As at the end of 2012, Zambia had 3.6 million heads of cattle, which have now gone up to 4.6 million.

This could be attributed to interventions that Government had implemented to curb livestock-related diseases.

Mr Kasolo said in 2013, Zambia’s dairy sector performed relatively well in terms of production as several investors came on board to support milk production.

“Varun beverages and Zammilk are among others who have taken a leading role in milk processing and Parmalat has also come on board to set up additional milk collection points,” he said.