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15.9692 21 1944 18.0288 7.1597 3.9651
Update
15.9471 21.2112 18.0441 7.1574 4.0760
MBABANE – There are fears that chicks are illegally being smuggled into the country due to broiler shortage.
In October this year, this publication reported on the shortage of broiler chickens in the country.
A broiler is any chicken that is bred and raised specifically for meat production. These are mainly chickens which reach slaughter weight between four and seven weeks of age.
Following the challenges, there are disturbing reports suggesting that chicks could be imported into the country through illegal entry points.
Executive Director of the Eswatini National Agricultural Union (ESNAU) Lwazi Mamba confirmed learning about the developments through one of the farmers’ social media group even though nothing official reached his office. He said if the reports were anything to go by, there was a serious cause for concern, as the smuggled chicks could be unvaccinated, thereby compromising the quality of the meat.
Mamba made the revelation when this publication sought an update on the broiler scarcity. During this festive period broilers are usually in huge demand, something which boosts the farmers’ revenue. Mamba said the challenge had not been solved and never ruled out a possibility of high prices for poultry especially broilers and chicken portions during this festive season. He said prices for chicken were now at E60 from around E40 due to a lot of factors that include high cost of feed.
Meanwhile, Mamba had earlier said the shortage of broiler chickens had been a thorny issue among farmers in the past months and they are in the process of engaging with their stakeholders in order to find a lasting solution. Regarding fresh produce, especially crops, it seems there is no need to worry despite storms that have affected most parts of the country of late. Vegetables like cabbage, butternut and beetroot, among others, are usually in huge demand during this festive period.
“In terms of local production, the kingdom has very healthy quantities in butternut, cabbage, green pepper to satisfy the local market this festive,” said NAMBoard Communications Officer Melusi Dlamini..