Monze Receives 60 Straws of Jersey Cattle Semen to Boost Dairy Production

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has received a donation of 60 straws of Jersey cattle semen for Monze District from Jersey Dairy Development Zambia (JDDZ) as part of efforts to improve dairy genetics and increase productivity among smallholder dairy farmers.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Principal Public Relations Officer Benny Munyama said the initiative is aimed at strengthening Zambia’s dairy sector through improved access to high-quality dairy genetics.
Although the programme initially targeted Chongwe, Chibombo, and Choma districts, it has been extended to Monze in recognition of the district’s vibrant livestock industry and rapidly growing dairy sector, highlighting its strategic role in Zambia’s dairy value chain.
“The donated semen will be made available free of charge to eligible dairy farmers. In addition, farmers will benefit from free artificial insemination (AI) services provided by a JDDZ-trained inseminator based in Monze,” Munyama said.
He added that to access the service, farmers will be required to purchase the necessary hormones and provide transport for the inseminator, who serves as a locally based volunteer trained by JDDZ.
The Ministry, through the Department of Livestock Development in Monze, will supervise the implementation of the programme by providing technical oversight, coordinating service delivery, and maintaining a database of beneficiary farmers for effective monitoring and evaluation.
The Jersey breed is internationally recognised for producing milk with a higher butterfat content than many other dairy breeds. The promotion of Jersey genetics is expected to improve milk quality and production, enhance household nutrition, increase farmer incomes, and strengthen the competitiveness of Zambia’s dairy industry.
The initiative also seeks to promote climate-resilient and sustainable dairy farming practices while improving food and nutrition security and supporting the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farming households.
The partnership between the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and Jersey Dairy Development Zambia represents another significant step towards modernising Zambia’s dairy subsector through improved genetics, increased productivity, and inclusive support for smallholder farmers.