Chicken shortage in Lusaka not caused by exports to South Africa-PAZ

The Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ) has described as false allegations that it has been exporting the breeding stock of chicks to South Africa.

PAZ Executive Director Matthews Ngosa has clarified that parent stock is what is being exported to South Africa and not the breeding stock as alleged.

Mr. Ngosa said Lusaka is currently undergoing a shortage but that excess from the Copperbelt is being shipped back to Lusaka to cover the shortage.

He noted that people have not adhered to the older policy of hatching according to order and these are especially non-regular famers.

He observed that opportunity has arisen in the market and people have realized it is a profitable venture adding that the demand is great although it is not easy to expand the flock overnight.

Mr. Ngosa stated that his association has put in place measures to ensure that no supply is made to all border towns where they suspect chicks can be smuggled to other countries.

He further disclosed that they have cut down on large placements by 20% and that this percentage has been freed to service small scale famers.

Mr. Ngosa said most of the Zambians who went into the hatching trade have closed businesses putting pressure on existing arteries adding that there are enough hatching eggs but less hatching spaces.

“Lusaka is experiencing a shortage of chickens not because it is exporting to South Africa but because we are heading towards the festive season and almost everyone has involved themselves in the business of raring chickens,” he said.

He has disclosed that hybrid Zambia has commissioned 10 new hatching machines which have been set to start operating any time soon.

ZANIS