Goliati Milk Bulking Groups (MBGs) in Thyolo, which is under Rural Livelihoods and Economic Enhancement Programme (Rleep), has expressed concerns that prolonged power outages have ruined their milk production business.
This came to light during a recent media tour organised by Rleep, an organisation that seeks to improve incomes of economically active poor rural households engaged in the production, processing and marketing of selected agricultural commodities by advancing their integration with the emerging commercial sector.
Goliati MBG chairperson Kondwani Nsolera said the grouping, which has 186 members, is negatively affected by blackouts and has resorted to buying a diesel-powered generator which has proven to be expensive.
“Sometimes we have more than 30 hours without power. Milk is a delicate commodity and has to be kept safe and fresh always.
“This month, we have thrown away 10 000 litres of milk after it went bad due to intermittent power supply,” he said.
Nsolera said the group collects an average of 680 litres of milk per day, which is also declining due to power ready for the market challenges.
The group’s vice- chairperson, Miriam Nkhwayi said plans are underway to buy another generator to ease power challenges despite the costs being on the higher side.