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PRODUCTION of stockfeeds is expected to grow 24 percent in 2014 to 503 000 metric tonnes per annum driven by high demand particularly in the poultry industry.Stockfeed Manufacturer’s Association of  Zimbabwe chairman Mr Fungai Mungate said stockfeed production in the sector had been growing steadily over the years to 407 000mt in 2013 from 295 245 in 2012, an increase of 38 percent.

Mr Mungate said the industry is currently operating at 40 percent capacity utilisation, with installed capacity at over a million tonnes.
He, however, said investments into the sector were ongoing in preparation for future demand with two processing plants set to be installed before the end of year and another one to be installed early next year.

Mr Mungate said the sector is faced with numerous challenges, chief among them, inadequate grain supply from the local market (maize and soyabeans). According to SMAZ statistics, the sector will require 240 000mt of maize next year from the current requirement of 200 000mt this year. The sector will also require 150 000mt of soyabeans next year, an additional 15 000mt to the current required proportions.

He also decried the unnecessary imports that the industry has had to endure which include carcass meals, previously provided by the Cold Storage Company and methionine, previously provided by ZIMPHOS till 2004. Mr Mungate said the industry currently forks out  US$2,5 million on imported raw materials annually.

The main players in the stockfeeds industry include Natfoods, Agri-Foods, Pro-Feeds and Windmill. — FinX.