May 19, 2009
Zimbabwe poultry sector hurt by imports
The Zimbabwe Farmers Development Trust (ZFDT) has urged the government to restrict poultry imports, which are hurting local producers.
Local poultry farmers are struggling to make profits as the market is flooded with cheap imports, said ZFDT executive director Tichasiyana Wonder Mapondera.
Mapondera believes that local farmers produce better quality products compared to imported brands therefore the government should restrict imports and stimulate the domestic industry.
He said some importers bought Brazilian chickens that were popular on the local market because of their larger size, which was achieved through artificial means of growth.
Many farmers had suspended poultry production because it was no longer viable, Mapondera said.
Feed was also costly, with soy costing US$300 per tonne while residue mixed with corn costs US$400, said a local farmer.
