The veterinary service department director for Masvingo, Dr Earnest Dzimwasha has revealed that over 4 000 cattle died in October due to El Nino induced drought.

Dzimwasha said:
Chiredzi and Mwenezi are among the worst affected when it comes to cattle deaths.

If only the farmers could sell some of their livestock so that they can buy feed for the remaining beasts.

Reports also suggest that dozens of cattle are dying in Matebeleland as grazing lands and sources of livestock water have dried up.

The development is sad considering that most of the rural dwellers hinge their livelihoods of farming which includes the rearing of animals.

Drought coupled with power cuts also forced most farmers to snub this year’s winter wheat production resulting in low wheat production when the country already has a huge shortage of wheat.ZBC