Online Reporter
Patience Maturure
Agriculture Reporter
The Government has encouraged young innovators to create affordable pig feed and value-added products to enhance the competitiveness of the pig industry.
This initiative follows the handover of 194 high-genetic pigs to six farmers from Masvingo, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East by the Pig Industry Board (PIB).
The handover of premium genetic pigs reflects effective collaboration aimed at modernising and reviving Zimbabwe’s pig industry.
Officiating at the handover ceremony on Thursday at the PIB premises in Arcturus yesterday, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the initiative was aimed at making pork the most affordable meat option through innovation and localised value addition.
“We want value addition on farms and a more localised industry, with added value from our pigs.
“The event supports four critical pillars, namely genetics, feed, biosecurity, animal health and market access,” he said.
He commended the proactive response of the Pig Industry Board to meet farmers’ needs, emphasising the importance of genetics, feed, biosecurity and market access.
“The importation of high-quality breeding stock is an investment not only on individual farms but also in the national genetic pool, which underpins productivity.
“We aim for high productivity and competitiveness in the entire pig value chain. The partnership between PIB and farmers deserves recognition and should be replicated in other sectors,” he said.
Prof Jiri also urged farmers to expand and transform their businesses, highlighting that pig production is now a commercial and profitable venture.
“As the Government, we will support farmers through policies, research and capacity development, including upcoming training for pig production veterans.
“We want to drive capacity building to address known issues and ensure the sector’s success,” he said.
The Government regards pigs as strategic for achieving Vision 2030, which focuses on food security, job creation and growth.
“The pig industry significantly contributes to the supply of animal protein, income and employment, especially among small and medium farmers. Government encourages financial inclusion for small-scale farmers and urges banks to engage with this sector,” he said.
Feed was highlighted as a major cost driver in pig production, contributing to over 70 percent of total costs.
“We must grow our pigs to sell, which means we need markets. I challenge our banking and financial sectors to recognise the business potential in the small-scale sector,” he said.
PIB chairperson Mr Craig Davenport said the significant advancements in direction and performance over the past year indicated a rise in the demand for pork products.
“In the last 12 months, PIB has made great strides in terms of improved direction and performance.
“We have also seen a corresponding increase in the demand for pork products. We need to enhance our production, productivity and efficiency,” he said.
He encouraged farmers to seek assistance from qualified teams to optimise results regarding the management of the new genetics.
PIB chief executive, Dr Sharai Ncube, highlighted that the importation of the premium genetic pigs was part of efforts to revive the pig industry.
“The pigs were imported from Dundread in South Africa and will be allocated to six farmers across Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West,” she said.
The group import allowed farmers to reduce costs and successfully lobby for the removal of Tuberculosis testing requirements, simplifying the process.
“The board intends to continue these initiatives and invites farmers to participate in future collaborations for enhanced benefits and cost savings.
“Farmers are encouraged to focus on upgrading the genetic quality of their pigs and to form consortia for value addition,” she said.
Pig farming has created employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where agriculture serves as a primary source of livelihood.
