April 20, 2004

Poultry Production Forecast To Increase In Zambia

THE Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has projected an increase in poultry production of 2.4 million chicks per month by the end of the year.
 
ZNFU president Guy Robinson said the projected increase was because of the outgrower schemes started by the Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) and small-scale farmers across the country.
 
Mr Robinson was speaking last Thursday at a PAZ seminar and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lusaka.
 
He said the partnership had pushed the industry up, growing from a production capacity of 850,000 chicks per month in 2003 to 1.2 million chicks per month this year.
 
"The union has taken special recognition of the poultry sector's support to the development of the outgrower schemes throughout the country, thereby enhancing capacities of small-scale farmers," Mr Robinson said.
 
He added that the poultry sector had in the past few years made noteworthy and positive developments, asserting itself as one of the major contributors to job creation and income in the agricultural sector.
 
With significant exports of hatching eggs as well as commencement in the export of chickens, there was no immediate need for imports of poultry products.
 
Mr Robinson said the growth was largely due to the veterinary ban of poultry products from South Africa and Zimbabwe, for which if lifted, Zambian farmers would not be able to absorb the pressure from imports.
 
The ZNFU chief said the union would continue lobbying for affordable finance. Discussions with the Government on various issues including value added tax (VAT) would also be held, to ensure the continual competitiveness of the sector.