Small-scale pig producers cry foul

SMALL-SCALE pig producers are complaining over the suspension by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to sell maize for stockfeeds to individual farmers.

The farmers complained that GMB was prioritising major stockfeed manufacturers who were taking advantage of the move to rip off small-scale producers by selling the feeds at exorbitant prices.

Pig producer, Mr Webster Taruvinga said the move taken by the GMB had greatly affected production.

“It is disturbing that the major stockfeed manufacturing companies have taken advantage of the situation and have increased stockfeed prices when they are getting grain at a cheap price.

“We cannot break even and soon we will be out of business if the issue is not addressed,” he said.

Domboshava pig producer, Mr Clemence Takaerwa said he now sources feeds from soya chunk manufactures and also buy bread breakages,” he said.

Marondera farmer, Mr Donald Mukosi accused stockfeed manufacturers of inflating prices at the producers expense.

“We can never sustain the business with expensive maize. Not every producer can grow his or her own maize for stockfeeds.

“We import concentrate because 99 percent of the manufacturers no longer manufacture concentrates and this forces us to buy straight feeds and this is expensive,” he said.

GMB general manager, Mr Rockie Mutenha said GMB stopped selling the grain to the small scale producers and give preference for human consumption after realising that this season, the bulk of the crops were affected by the El Nino induced dry spell.

“This is a way of managing the stocks we have; looking at the drought. Government advised us to take that position. Our stocks are no longer at the same levels as we used to have and what will be harvested this season is less. It is not a question of favouring stockfeed manufacturers. We do not get anything from them.

“We need to have food reserves so that the people will not starve. The country does not have enough foreign currency and we cannot sell maize for stockfeeds and later on import grain,” he said.