Farming Reporter
POULTRY farmers in Manicaland are set to benefit from the expected establishment of a hatchery in the province under the Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT) project which aims to supply day-old chicks locally.
SAT’s Business Management Unit advisor, Mr Pfungwa Chinyowa, said several poultry farmers in the province are facing challenges in procuring day-old chicks from other provinces.
In instances where they manage to get them, he added, it will be at exorbitant prices and this affects production while also leading to a decline in productivity.
“In Manicaland we do not have a hatchery to supply our own local poultry farmers. We get the broiler chicks mostly from Masvingo or Harare and this is taking a huge toll on us.
“Therefore, establishing a hatchery in the province will create convenience through the ease of doing business and cut expenses as we will be catering for local requirements,” said Mr Chinyowa.
He added that with the challenges they are presently facing mitigated, it will boost their business as other provinces will turn to Manicaland for procurement of the day-old chicks.