BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
A POULTRY strategic network that was launched recently is set to promote new players in broiler chicken production across the country.
National Hatch Web (NHW) was established by Hatch Solutions, Victors Chickens, Vet Sol and provincial breeder partners.
NHW chairperson Victor Kwaramba said their ultimate goal was to address the long-standing limitations and shortfalls of the current poultry industry structure associated with severe deficits that have been neglected over the years.
“Periodic shortages, distribution and accessibility of day-old chicks in parts of Zimbabwe, domination of the market by a few players as well as inadequate financial support on critical value chain points necessitates the essence of NHW initiative,” he said.
Kwaramba said while poultry production appeared to be the most preferred business stream for most people, there were no emerging brands.
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“We have studied our limitations and realised the strength that lies in us as partnerships. With collective efforts and contributions for a common goal to positively impact the poultry sector,” he said.
“Through the NHW initiative, there will be increased participation and productivity, employment creation and protection of new players in the production of broiler chicks in Zimbabwe.”
He said the NHW structure would promote distribution efficiency and new-player participation through financial and technical support.
“We grow and protect our members while creating a sustainable system that touches local and international markets,” Kwaramba said.
“Currently, we are inviting all value chain players from primary producers of grain such as maize and soya beans, stock feeds manufacturers, chick producers, veterinary suppliers, broiler out growers and manufacturers of hatching machines up to meat products retail outlets scattered throughout the country to join National Hatch Web.”
Kwaramba said farmers could join NHW at different levels.
“One can be part of our initiative as a primary producer of grain that is maize and soya beans that will be used to make stock-feed,” he said.
“We also need what we term provincial breeding partners,who will be responsible for producing fertilised broiler eggs, hatching them for a supply of day-old chicks,” he said.
“This is the most powerful collective set up of producers to attain growth, sustainable productivity and be at a competitive advantage against unfair competition and market.”
Kwaramba said they were helping those interested in setting up commercial hatcheries.
“We have a made a number of strategic partnerships with the likes of towards attaining our goal of being the county’s biggest collective poultry producer by 2023,” he said.
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