El Nino induced Drought Impacting On Pig Production In Zimbabwe

Post Business Reporter

Harare-Despite the El Nino Induced drought that is increasing costs on livestock feed in the country, the Pig Industry Board (PIB) said it is working towards increasing productivity in the sector to satisfy both the local and foreign markets through supporting local farmers.

 PIB Director of Operations, Erica Takaindisa said feed is the major cost and takes up to 85 percent of production costs and this impacts on viability of the sector.

She said as a result of the drought, farmers were culling their stock to remain with manageable herds.

“Farmers are also culling their herd to remain with a herd that is manageable. This also can result in shortages in the future. future. As culling progresses, markets are flooded, and pork prices continue to be negatively affected,” Takaindisa said.

The operations director also said destocking of beef has also impacted on pork prices in the country.

“Pork pricing is also adversely affected as consumers usually go for cheaper products if disposable income is a limiting factor.

“Competition with other alternative sources of protein such as beef has also become a challenge in the drought period as cattle farmers are also destocking their herds,” Takaindisa said.

She, however, said despite challenges, the board is committed to supporting farmers through training, providing resources, and ensuring high production standards are paving the way for a robust and thriving pig farming industry in Zimbabwe.

The PIB is a parastatal which is mandated to develop the pig industry in the country and its vision is to create a vibrant and viable pig industry in Zimbabwe.

PIB is currently operating from key locations in Harare and Bulawayo.

These centres are pivotal in guaranteeing that farmers across Zimbabwe have access to high quality pig genetics.

She highlighted that they have set an ambitious goal to have 22,000 tonnes of pork moving through registered abattoirs by 2025.

“Currently there are 30 abattoirs spread across the country`s provinces. There are meat graders and inspectors who collect the statistics and inspect the pigs across the abattoirs.

 “As the nation marches towards 2025, the PIB strategic initiatives will be vital in achieving its production targets and meeting the country`s growing demand for pork,” she said.

Takaindisa explained that the board`s strategy to achieve this vision include extensive training programmes for existing farmers, students and aspiring pig farmers.

“Through these initiatives, they ensure that pig farming becomes a profitable venture for every farmer in Zimbabwe.

“The board regularly conducts outreach programmes and research programmes and research into pig production, which are instrumental in keeping the industry on the cutting edge of agricultural practices,” she highlighted.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Obert Jiri highlighted that it is the responsibility of the board to ensure all farmers have access to top genetics and latest technology.

“They scan the globe to obtain the best pig genetics and husbandry techniques, which are translated into practical knowledge for our farmers,” Jiri said.

He added that the PIB does not stop on genetics but also provides male breeding stock to ensure that farmers across the country can enhance their herds with the best available breeding options.

“This initiative is key to increasing the productivity and profitability of pig farming in Zimbabwe,” said Jiri.

Pig industry has recorded a 49 percent growth in the last three years, according to the ministry.

This has seen the national pig population rising from 228 000 in 2020 to 339 000 in 2023.

This development has come through government strategic interventions to promote agricultural productivity, through training, veterinary services, loans and provision of improved livestock breeds.