The ManicaPost
Emmah Chinyamutangira Post Correspondent
JOHANE Marange church leader high priest Mutumwa Noah Taguta has embarked on a poultry project with 30 000 layers, among other agricultural initiatives, aimed at generating income and empowering the community in line with the vision 2030.
The projects, being spearheaded under the auspices of Taguta Investments, are courting various stakeholders in partnership that seeks to penetrate local and regional markets.
Speaking during a tour of the projects by officials from Arda, high priest Taguta said he started the projects in 1984 with a view to empower his immediate community.
“My family is engaged in several agricultural activities to empower the community, boost economic growth and reduce the national import bill,” he said.
“Our poultry project is growing; we now have 30000 layers which produce about 700 crates of eggs daily. We supply the eggs to different supermarkets in Manicaland. Our target is to surpass 120 000 birds by the end of the year.
“Our major challenge is poor market; we still need to penetrate the local market. Apart from eggs, we are into dairy milk, beef and fish production. We hope to supply the eggs to major supermarkets and wholesalers across the country,” said the church leader.
Taguta Investments poultry technical specialist Mr Lazarus Makomo said expanding the poultry project would also explore opportunities for inclusive value chain development in rural areas.
This includes employment creation, income generation, improving diet and nutrition of the people.
“Production is swirling, and we are geared for further growth as we target inclusive value chain development. We also want to unlock the full potential of the poultry industry to contribute to the national economy,” said Mr Makomo.
He said their birds were healthy as they vaccinate them every six weeks.
The birds were not affected by the new castle disease which killed hundreds of chickens in Mutare district recently.
The dairy project produces about 200 litres per day.
“We have more than 20 cows which are producing over 200 litres of milk per day,” he said.
The aquatic farm manager Mr Philip Munyaradzi said they were scouting for more fish seeds with a view to harvest 50 tonnes target per month.
“We are also into command fishery with an estimated 7500 fingerlings in our pounds. Our challenge is shortage of fish seeds,” he said.
“We are into the third year and we have 7 500 fingerlings in three pounds and we expect to produce 50tonnes per month if we get enough inputs,” he said.
