December 19, 2012

Zambeef to invest in processing palnt

Zambeef will invest US$3 million in a sophisticated Master Pork processing facility in Lusaka, Zambia, which will enable export of value-added pork products to the region.

Officiating at the launch of the plant, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Emmanuel Chenda said the demand for pigs and pork products is huge.

Mr Chenda said apart from the local market, there is untapped market for pork outside Zambia and urged farmers to tap the sector by engaging in pig production.

He said Government is creating a conducive environment to increase investment in the livestock sector to create employment and alleviate poverty.

He added that the Government has programmes such as creation of disease free-zones.

According to Mr Chenda, pigs from Eastern Province are not allowed to be transported to Lusaka because of the outbreak of African swine fever, which has placed the country in a deficit of supply of pigs.

He also noted that the Government is committed to tapping into the comparative advantage that Zambia enjoys.

Earlier, Zambeef Products Plc Group chief executive officer, Francis Grogan, said the company has earmarked US$30 million to be invested across all its operating divisions from primary production, processing, wholesaling and retail outlets.