Government will spray 5,000 hectares infested with tsetse flies in Luangwa district in Lusaka Province.
In a ministerial statement issued to Parliament recently, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Greyford Monde said Government is working towards increasing cattle-rearing activities through cattle disease control.
“The ministry has come up with a number of measures to support cattle production and help increase the production of meat and meat products. The 5,000 hectares to be sprayed is in Luangwa district, which is infested with tsetse flies,” Mr Monde said.
He said in 2015, the ministry sprayed tsetse fly-infested areas of Mulobezi and Sesheke. This has resulted in increased cattle rearing in the two areas.
Mr Monde said all the provinces with areas infested with tsetse flies are targeted to be sprayed, especially where cattle rearing is being practiced.
Government aims to increase cattle production in Luangwa district to contribute towards the national meat production basket.
With increased production of cattle, Government is hopeful that its goal of making Zambia one of the largest producers of meat and meat products would be achieved.
Mr Monde said with quality cattle production, the production of milk is also anticipated to increase, thereby enabling the country to benefit from both the meat and milk, which will also increase in supply.
The increase in meat supply will, in turn, improve the nutrition levels, especially for people living in rural areas who consume less meat because of the high prices