Rabbit abattoir processes three tonnes of meat

Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S first export-certified rabbit abattoir is now fully operational with about three tonnes of rabbit meat having been slaughtered since last month when the slaughterhouse began operations.

Situated in Harare, the abattoir is one of the biggest rabbit meat-processing facilities in Africa with an installed capacity of between 2,5 tonnes and 3,5 tonnes per day shift.

The Harare-based abattoir, which was constructed to the tune of close to US$1 million is wholly-owned by Raymeg Consultants Private Limited, a diversified group with interest in agriculture, real estate, energy, private security, leisure and resorts, and fishery, among others.

Raymeg is also a corporate member of and main sponsor of the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (Zicorba).

In an interview with Sunday Business, Zicorba president Mr Regis Nyamakanga said trial runs for the abattoir were completed in August before opening last month.

“The trial runs were completed at the end of August and the abattoir is now fully operational. Farmers from various parts of the country including Chipinge, Kwekwe, Bindura, Chinhoyi, Murewa have been selling their rabbits to the abattoir, which has the capacity to handle 2 500 to 3 500 rabbits per eight-hour day shift.

“Rabbit sales started on a slow note in September, but we have seen sales picking up significantly in October. The abattoir has slaughtered close to three tonnes of rabbit to-date. Although we are nowhere near achieving our daily installed capacity, we are encouraged by the response from rabbit farmers across the country.”

In recent years, Zimbabwe’s cuniculture sector has been in comatose before securing a new lease of life after the formation of Zicorba in July last year.

Through the rabbit breeders’ association, Zimbabwe is set to be among top three rabbit-producing countries on the continent. South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and Ghana are among the top producers of rabbits in Africa. And of late, Zicorba has started seeing a jump in the number of people interested in venturing into rabbit farming.

“Presently, the meat from the abattoir is being sold locally through the leading supermarkets. A number of eateries, restaurants and hotels are also among the many customers.”

Meanwhile, as part of a strategy to boost the local cuniculture industry, a second abattoir similar to the one in Harare will also be constructed in Bulawayo before the end of next year while satellite slaughterhouses would also be established across the country.

As part of other initiatives to boost rabbit production, Zicorba is in discussions with the banking industry to unlock funding for farmers whose sector has potential to produce 25 tonnes of meat per month.

Going forward, Zicorba plans to penetrate the export market. And this is on account that the global demand for rabbit meat is about 1,5 tonnes per annum generating at least US$7 billion.

– @KazungaOliver.