adminTHE Zimbabwe Association of Pig Producers (ZAPP) in conjunction with a pig production consultancy, is set to hold a one-day pig production conference in Bulawayo to train farmers how to profitably run the business.
In an interview, Matabeleland North ZAPP chairman, Mr Winstone Babbage, said the training was aimed at coming up with strategies to boost pig production in the region.
“We are holding a one-day conference on pig production and we have engaged an expert in the sector with vast experience to make presentations on that event,” said Mr Babbage.
He said pig production had gone down not only in Matabeleland but in the whole country and the event was part of efforts to revive it.
An expert in pig production Dr Paul Ndiweni, said most farmers were struggling to make it in pig production due to lack of adequate knowledge.
“During the conference, we are going to train the pig producers on the key things that they require for efficient and profitable pig production,” said Dr Ndiweni.
He said the knowledge on how to successfully manage a pig production enterprise was important for farmers.
“In order for the farmer to avoid making costly mistakes in the running of the pig production enterprise they should be trained in pig husbandry. Successful pig production requires the efficient utilisation of genetics, bio-security, nutrition, management and promotion,” said Dr Ndiweni.
Dr Ndiweni, a former director of the Pig Industry Board, said they were targeting all the players in the pig industry such as feed suppliers and butcheries to attend the event.
The local pig industry is in dire straits due to a combination of factors such as high costs of feed, depressed demand due to low consumer spending and low producer price.
The pig farmers have also bemoaned shortages of protein supplement, critical for pig production.
Pig farmers have also not been spared by the liquidity crisis as they are unable to access loans due to prohibitive interest rates.
derick.khumalo