Start value addition, pig farmers urged

Rejoice Makoni Herald Correspondent

Pig farmers should continue upgrading the genetic quality of their pigs and form consortiums, industries and establish abattoirs so that they add value to the pork value chain, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri said on Thursday.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of superior pig genetics, jointly imported by smallholder farmers and Pig Industry Board with support from the ZAGP VALUE project at the board, Prof Jiri hailed the farmers for actively participating in the project.

The imported genetics were collectively purchased by smallholder farmers from Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West and the import was part of replacement stock after imports of 244 pig genetics in April 2020. A total of 14 farmers benefited from the 153 superior pig genetics.

“As Government, we do not want to see lorries transporting pigs to Harare and other provinces, but we want to see graded pork being ferried to butcheries across the country. You must join hands and form consortiums and establish abattoirs as well as create employment. By so doing you make sure that the value chain concept is realised,” said Prof Jiri.

“Today, we hand over these superior pig genetics that will undoubtedly contribute to the transformation of our pig farming landscape. The thrust and vision of the VALUE project is in line with Government’s livestock growth recovery plan, the agriculture and food systems transformation strategy in line with sustainable Development Goal 2 of ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture.”

Prof Jiri thanked the European Union for facilitating the import of high-quality pig breeds from South Africa.

“The import of superior pig genetics is a strategic move aimed at addressing the challenges faced by our smallholder farmers. By improving the genetic potential of our pig herds, we can increase both the quantity and quality of pork produced in our country,” he said.

“This not only caters to the growing domestic demand but also positions us as a reliable supplier in the global market, contributing to our nation’s economic growth and development. This joint collaboration between the Government, agricultural experts, farmers and private sector has been instrumental in facilitating the import of these superior pig genetics.

“Their expertise, technical assistance, and financial contributions have been invaluable, enabling us to realize this shared vision.”

EU project manager Martin Zhou said the project imported quality genetics for high breeding stock to ensure sustained access for small and medium producers beyond the project period.

“Through a mix of interventions, the VALUE project has addressed several value chain constraints. The setting up physical hubs like the goat improvement centres” was essential for the provision of primary business support services to goat farmers,” he said.

“And with the establishment of goat producer business associations and pork production business syndicates, the project was key in driving collective action along critical value chain nodes, from input procurement, production, and market supply.

“The project approach included also innovative marketing solutions like the direct meat marketing or the live goat sales which contributed to improve market competitiveness and increase profit margins for the farmers.

“This kind of commitment marks a significant step in enhancing local access to pigs with improved traits such as growth rates, disease resistance and meat quality, a noteworthy achievement in the project’s objectives.”