Young farmer strikes gold in pig breeding

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter

 

A 28-YEAR-OLD farmer from Headlands, Mr Aleck Revanavo, is defying the odds with his thriving pig breeding venture.
This inspirational tale is a testament to the adage: “Age is nothing, but just a number.”

While pork meat production has become increasingly popular among farmers due to the soaring demand of white meat, the production of quality pig breeds has been largely overlooked.

Mr Revanavo, from Maturi area, has seized this lucrative opportunity, meeting the growing demand for quality breeds.

Traditionally, pig breeding has been the domain of large-scale farmers, with some relying on imports from South Africa. This has led to many farmers resorting to in-breeding, resulting in poor-quality meat that fetches low prices on the market.

Mr Revanavo’s journey began six years ago, when he shifted from broiler production, which he started behind his parents’ house in Macheke, to pig breeding. He started with just three pigs and has since expanded his operations.

Today, he complements his pig business with maize production for stock feed, indigenous chicken and sweet potato farming, as well as dog breeding.

Mr Revanavo’s success story is an inspiration to young farmers, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, it’s possible to build a thriving agricultural business.

Operating on just seven hectares of land, Mr Revanavo is achieving impressive results and has challenged fellow youths to take up agriculture, a rewarding and worthwhile venture, as encouraged by the Government.

He supplies an average of five pigs to farmers monthly, but admits struggling to meet the growing demand.

Mr Revanavo runs the project with his wife, and employs four permanent staff members, hiring additional labour periodically.

His farm is equipped with a 90-metre deep solar-powered borehole, providing water for the piggery and crop irrigation as well as grinding mill for processing pig feed, mixed with concentrates.

“I initiated this pig project at 24, starting with just three pigs. At the time, I lacked knowledge and experience in proper pig husbandry. However, my passion and vision drove me forward. I visited numerous farmers to learn from them, which greatly aided my progress.

“I opted to specialise in breeding stock upon discovering a shortage of quality breeds due to excessive inbreeding. I sell weaners at five weeks old, open gilts at three and a half months, and serviced gilts. Quality pig breeds are in high demand, and the market remains consistently available due to high pork consumption.

“The size of land should not hinder aspiring farmers – my plot is only seven hectares. In addition to piggery, I also grow maize and sweet potatoes. I also raise roadrunner chickens. Currently, I am constructing a new pigsty to expand into meat production. Future plans include venturing into broiler chickens and egg production,” said Mr Revanavo, while advising fellow youths:

“Don’t hesitate to start farming if you are passionate about it. You can initiate farming operations with minimal capital and build from there. I began with broiler rearing at our Macheke family home, using the proceeds to venture into piggery.

“The advantage of breeding stock over meat production lies in dealing with genetics rather than weight. Breeding stock is more profitable compared to meat production.”

From humble beginnings in a one-roomed house, Mr Revanavo has transformed his life in a positive manner.

The plot now boasts proper infrastructure, including a decent house. He has also built a house in Rusape, acquired vehicles, and convinced his wife to leave a stable job at a leading funeral assurance company to work on the farm.

Mr Revanavo advised upcoming farmers against prioritising fancy houses over critical farm infrastructure.

“When I started, I lived in a one-roomed, unplastered house, sleeping on the floor. I stored stock feed and vaccines there. I prioritised proper housing for my pigs and a borehole. Everything I have acquired came from my pigs. I took great care of those initial three pigs, and now they are taking care of me,” he said.

He has supplied hundreds of pigs, averaging five per month, to Gokwe, Gwanda, and Chivhu.

Federation of Young Farmer Clubs Trustee member, Mr Philp Severa, noted an upward trend of young people taking up farming.
“There is a plausible increase in young people’s participation in agriculture, thanks to Government and private sector programmes. Most young farmers are registering success,” he said.

However, Mr Severa emphasised the need for capacity building, financing, and training.

“Young farmers should harness information, communication, and technology tools in agriculture, particularly in research and marketing. We aim to improve crop yields per hectare and promote good genetics in animal husbandry,” he said.