We have enough chicks and feeds – expert

We have enough chicks and feeds – expert

 

Business Reporter

 

 

THE poultry industry has assured farmers of adequate chicks and feed supplies to meet their requirements despite the uncertainty generated by potential water shortages and escalating feed costs.

 

In an interview with this publication, Zimbabwe Poultry Association (ZPA) chairman Solomon Zawe said there were enough chicks for farmers but their main was over the possibility of water sources like boreholes drying up, which would negatively affect livestock production.

 

“Without adequate water supplies, chicken growers would face challenges in providing sufficient hydration and maintaining proper hygiene for their birds. This could lead to reduced production levels and potentially impact the overall availability of poultry products in the market. The limited availability of water could pose a significant threat to the industry’s sustainability and productivity,” he said.

 

The industry has reported a slight increase in prices, which for the time being remains manageable. However, there is uncertainty regarding future price trends.

 

“Stock feed prices for now are manageable but we anticipate that there might become more expensive. We hope that there is enough feed for poultry through the strategic grain reserves.

 

“Importing stock feed as a potential solution to addressing potential shortages remains an expensive alternative for chicken growers. The high costs associated with importing stock feeds due to factors such as transport, currency fluctuations and import taxes or tariffs pose a significant challenge for the poultry farmers.

 

“The financial burden of importing feeds could potentially strain the industry’s profitability, necessitating a search for cost-effective alternatives to ensure long-term sustainability,” Mr Zawe explained.

 

He added that, the poultry industry had continued to navigate the challenges while striving to ensure the stability and sustainability of chicken production and wanted to closely monitor the water situation and explore alternatives to costly feed imports.

 

The cost of feed has been fairly stable from the last quarter of 2023 and was fully reflective of the landed cost of maize and the landed soya bean meal.

 

The landed cost of imported yellow maize is seven percent lower than the US$335 domestic producer price of June 2023. Soya bean meal landed cost has remained stable from Lusaka but the cost of money in Zimbabwe has also risen.

 

The other domestic cost drivers that have risen are tariffs for electricity and water.