Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

The government recently suspended customs and excise duty on fertilised poultry eggs for hatching, a move that is likely going to increase the number of day old chicks in the country and boost poultry production.

The suspension was effected through Statutory Instrument 100 of 2021 which came to effect on 1 April, and will run for six months. During this period, approved poultry breeders will be allowed to import fertilised eggs for hatching without paying excise duty.



A document gleaned by the reporter shows that companies like Irvine’s Zimbabwe, Hukuru Chicks and Charles Stewart Day Old Chicks are among the approved poultry breeders that will benefit from this development.

In an interview, the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Poultry Farmers Union (ZPFU) Ron Murowe said they appreciate the move which he said will improve viability in the broiler and layer industry.

“We receive the SI100 of 2021 with great enthusiasm and optimism. As an association, we implore the relevant hatcher organisations that were authorised by the government to benefit from this development to pass on the reduced price benefits  to poultry farmers and growers at community and household level. We expect to see lowered chick prices in line with the suspension of duty to promote the industry,” he said.