admintrends had been increasing since 2011 after the adoption of multiple foreign currencies.
“A total of 13 076 pigs were slaughtered in registered abattoirs during the first month of this year against 11 570 slaughtered the previous year and 10 257 in 2011,” he said.
“The imposition of duty on imported products helped us a lot since imports are not coming in large numbers like last year thereby contributing to the increase.”
Mr Shonhiwa said the figures were still low despite surpassing those for last year.
“We did not sell the numbers we wanted to sale because in most cases people will be coming from the festive season and they will not be having disposable income to spend in the first month of the year,” he said.
He, however, said the board did not have figures of pigs slaughtered in unregistered abattoirs, which he urged butcheries to shun.
“Butcheries and shops should not accept meat from unregistered places and pigs which do not hold a roller mark to ensure it has been inspected and seen fit for human consumption,” he said.
More farmers are taking up piggery due to the improved availability of stockfeeds and parent stock on the local market. —New Ziana.
Online Reporter