16 Feb 2022

Some poultry farmers in Gumare have decried lack of market for eggs produced in the area, saying primary schools were their only major clients.

One of the farmers, Ms Phemelo Maphane said in an interview that lack of market was a setback for their business because at times, the eggs get spoilt, while awaiting supply.

She said six farmers, herself included, were engaged to supply Gumare Primary School on a rotational basis, which she said was not enough as one had to wait for long between supplies.

“We incur a lot of losses through spoilage. We produce a lot, and sometimes you find that close to 1 000 eggs get spoiled because of lack of market,” she lamented.

Ms Maphane also highlighted that chicken feed for layers was expensive, which she said compounded farmers’ frustrations. The 58-year-old farmer therefore implored government to find ways of expanding the market, so that poultry farmers did not solely depend on schools.  

Ms Maphane said she started her poultry business with her savings in 2020 with 50 layers, following government’s introduction of feeding scheme in primary schools.

She also noted that when it was her turn, she was able to supply Gumare primary school with about 1 100 eggs. ENDS