Vice President Kembo Mohadi has reportedly lost 271 cattle due to drought with reports suggesting that the whole of Matebeleland South has lost a total of 16 000 now due to the calamity.
The Chronicle was told by farmers in Beitbridge that water bodies were drying at a paraffin speed forcing them to sell their cattle at a giveaway price.
Beitbridge East legislator, Albert Nguluvhe who said that he lost more than 100 cattle at his farm in Bubi area revealed that the shortage of water was another huge challenge adding that the hunger-stricken cattle travel for long distances in search of water.
The province falls under agro-ecological region 5 or natural region 5 which is suitable for extensive cattle production and game-ranching and drought-resistant crops.
Therefore, there is little hope for farmers as little rains are expected to fall in the region
Farmers have appealed to the government to assist them with tractors, slashers and more livestock feed.
The reports come when the government has announced plans to revive the agriculture sector that has been underperforming for decades now.
More: The Chronicle