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A survey carried out by Business Chronicle revealed that the majority of retail outlets had no chicken in fridges. Only a few outlets had few 2kg mixed portion packets.
In separate interviews, officials from major retail outlets said they had been facing difficulties in procuring chicken from farmers in the region.
“As you have seen we do not have enough chicken products because this has to do with our poor supply chain.
“Chicken shortages are now evident noting that during the month end there is increased shopping by consumers,” said an official.
Another official at a leading retail outlet said the available chickens in the fridges had been supplied by Harare and Chegutu producers.
“Our local producers are failing to meet the demand, but in order to get a suitable answer you must contact the producers themselves who can explain what is happening exactly,” said the official.
In an interview Zimbabwe Poultry Farmers Association (ZPFA) chairman, Retired Colonel George Nare said poultry farmers in the region were failing to meet market demand due inconsistent supply of day-old chicks from suppliers.
“At the moment there is high demand for day-old chicks in Bulawayo.
“We are constantly being let down by suppliers of day-old chicks who claim to be facing problems attaining the eggs which hatch the chicks.
“Surprisingly suppliers continue to export day-old chicks to neighbouring countries despite incurring transport costs, neglecting the national demand,” said Rtd Col Nare.
He said the association had failed to set up production targets for 2013 since there was a backlog in supplying chicks booked two weeks back.
“Our customers should be aware that we are capable of providing the market if we do not incur delays in dayold chick supply and shortages in essential inputs like stock feed and electricity.
“Government should assist poultry producers by ensuring that day-old chick suppliers establish branches throughout the country so as to reduce transport costs from Harare and help improve the survival rate of chicks especially in summer,” he said.
Online Reporter