News / Regional
Matabeleland farmers struggle to meet demand for eggs
23 Mar 2015 at 08:19hrs | Views
ABOUT 450 000 eggs are imported by Matabeleland region daily from other areas as local farmers are struggling to meet demand.
A poultry farmer in Matopo, Phathani Sibanda said the region manages to supply just 50 000 eggs daily with the balance coming from Masvingo and Harare.
"Matabeleland consumes 450 000 eggs on a daily basis but as farmers we can only supply 50 000 resulting in the bulk of eggs being brought from other places such as Masvingo and Harare," said Sibanda.
He said there are few poultry farmers in the region.
"Few farmers are keen on venturing into layer chicken business because they have a misconception that it's very cumbersome.
" But this business has a very good market considering the few farmers in the region are failing to meet daily demand,".
It takes about 17 weeks for layers to start laying eggs.
Six eggs are sold for a dollar in most shops.
A poultry farmer in Matopo, Phathani Sibanda said the region manages to supply just 50 000 eggs daily with the balance coming from Masvingo and Harare.
"Matabeleland consumes 450 000 eggs on a daily basis but as farmers we can only supply 50 000 resulting in the bulk of eggs being brought from other places such as Masvingo and Harare," said Sibanda.
He said there are few poultry farmers in the region.
" But this business has a very good market considering the few farmers in the region are failing to meet daily demand,".
It takes about 17 weeks for layers to start laying eggs.
Six eggs are sold for a dollar in most shops.
Source - Byo24News
