October 6, 2006

Zimbabwe's pig board calls for more feed to expand herd
 

Zimbabwe's Pig Industry Board (PIB) is calling for an increased availability of stockfeeds in the industry to expand the national pig herd, decimated by a drought four years ago.

The Board is in negotiations with agro-based companies, pig processing firms and banks to revive the sector, PIB director Paul Ndiweni said.

Although the industry has been declining in recent years, this year, it has grown 20 percent despite a shortage in feeds, Ndiweni said.

The Board is in discussions with the Government to ensure that inputs such as maize and soy are available for the industry's future expansion.

Besides increasing feed availability, the Board is also hoping to expand abattoirs in the country.

Meanwhile, the Grain Marketing Board continued to assist pig producers with affordable stockfeeds.

The PIB was also working with a food company and an agricultural bank to help farmers with inputs and funding requirements.