Zimbabwe’s pig industry is recording significant growth, supported by improved genetics, modern production technologies and rising local production, with Government encouraging farmers to invest in processing facilities to increase value addition and profitability.
In a statement, yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the pig value chain was among the country’s fastest-growing livestock sectors, with smallholder farmers increasingly benefiting from improved breeding stock and technologies.
“The pig value chain is one of the fastest growing in the country. Its growth is supported by good genetics from the Pig Industry Board and new technologies that make it easier for smallholder farmers to undertake pig production,” said Prof Jiri.
He said Zimbabwe had several breeds suited to local conditions, including Large White, Duroc and indigenous breeds, which farmers could utilise to strengthen production and improve the quality of their herds.
“We have breeds well adapted to our conditions, including Large White, Duroc and our local breeds. These provide opportunities for farmers to expand production and contribute to the growth of the livestock sector,” he said.
However, Prof Jiri identified the cost and availability of feed as a major constraint facing producers, noting that pigs required substantial quantities of feed to sustain growth and maintain breeding herds.
“The main challenge remains feed, as pigs consume a lot and farmers must secure adequate feed to maintain their sow herd,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary said pig production remained a key component of the Livestock Growth and Recovery Plan, with Government expecting the value chain to continue expanding as farmers embrace improved production practices.
“This value chain is a key part of the Livestock Growth and Recovery Plan, and we expect it to continue growing,” he said.
He urged farmers to invest in local abattoirs and processing facilities to move beyond selling live pigs and whole carcasses towards producing packaged cuts and other value-added products.
“We are encouraging farmers to invest in local abattoirs so they can slaughter, process and add value, selling cuts rather than whole pigs,” Prof Jiri said.
He added that local producers were currently meeting domestic demand for pork, eliminating the need for imports.
“Currently we are not importing pork, as local farmers are meeting demand. While we encourage importation of genetics to improve our stock, this remains an exciting and growing value chain,” he said.
Meanwhile, The sector’s expansion is expected to create opportunities for livestock producers and businesses involved in breeding, feed production, slaughtering and meat processing, strengthening the contribution of pig farming to Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy.
