Although this growth is good news, according to Angop, production corresponds to just one percent of local market demand.
With regard to the concentration of production by municipalities, Humpata stands out, with three poultry farms, as well as Lubango, with two. Still in evidence, according to José Chicomo, are the municipalities of Caluquembe (a poultry farm), Chibia (a poultry farm), Matala (a poultry farm) and Cuvango (a poultry farm).
Speaking to Angop, the person responsible explained that the growth in production is the result of improving the genetics of the species in production, as previously dual-purpose birds were used, however, specialization is currently being carried out, with the separation of birds of meat for laying birds.
José Chicomo reported that the nine private companies registered for production have a production capacity of 133 thousand eggs per day, but are currently producing just over 63 thousand eggs per day, having pointed out as reasons for this situation the high costs of feed, the need to import breeders, in addition to maintenance of facilities and labor.
According to the official, at provincial level there are another five or more companies that also produce eggs, but they are facing difficulties due to the high cost of feed, constraints in importing breeders from countries such as Portugal and Namibia, among others, resulting in the halt of operations more than a year ago.
He also said that the market demand for the production of this food for the province is estimated at more than 35 million units per day.
"The needs of the egg production market for Huíla are estimated at 35,830,650 units per day, depending on the population and number of people who have to eat the food daily", he said, quoted by Angop.
Regarding broiler chicken production, José Chicomo admitted that it was still low, reporting that in the first six months of this year 943 birds were slaughtered, equivalent to at least 1225 kilos of meat – 472 kilos less than in the same period last year, which the record was 1697 kilos – in a market that demands more than three million kilos.
Regarding becoming self-sufficient in the production of these two products, the manager highlighted the importance of investing more in poultry farming, infrastructure, labor, genetics and increasing productivity. Quoted by Angop, he also expressed the need to improve the production of corn internally, intended for consumption, as well as to guarantee a surplus for feed production, in addition to manufacturing vaccines and medicines in adequate quantities to treat and prevent diseases in birds.
