Hubbard Zimbabwe - New Player Joins Poultry Industry

The entry of a new player in the poultry industry, Hubbard Zimbabwe, is expected to end the shortage of day-old chicks and eggs. Hubbard Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of CFI Holdings, said the shortage of day-old chicks should end by next year following the importation of the grand parent breeding stock from its France-based strategic partner, Hubbard Europe. The contribution of the company, together with local breeders, would increase the production of day-old chicks and eggs. There have been shortages of chicks and eggs on the market and this has affected some poultry farmers who have to wait for weeks without getting their orders. Other farmers have resorted to placing their orders in advance. Also attributed to the shortage was lack of grandparent stock, stockfeed and the closure of business by some local breeders. Pig Industry Board deputy director for development and extension, Mr Allen Mawere, said although there was a shortage of stockfeed on the market, its contribution to the decline in chick production was insignificant. He added that Kadoma Day-Old Chicks had closed down while Crest Breeders, which was trading as Ross Breeders, had lost its licence to a South African company. This reduced chick and egg production in the country as only two major breeders and some small indigenous players remained in the industry. Mr Mawere added that the decline in egg production was usually normal in winter as hens would be using more energy to warm their bodies. There were, however, long-term plans to revive the industry provided Government provides funds to import the grandparent stock. "Government should become a partner and take part in the initiatives to revive the industry," Mr Mawere said. For the past few years, poultry production has been on the decline and stakeholders in the industry have been mapping the way forward.