Paltry profits for Lowveld poultry farmers due to load-shedding

“Small poultry farmers are suffering due to the rolling blackouts and unplanned power outages, which force farmworkers to work longer hours to make up for lost time, and this necessitates paying overtime wages. As a result, we are hit by loss of revenue.” So said Lebohang Dhludhlu of Inkanyezi Poultry Farm.

She said if load-shedding continues, it means chicken consumers will have to brace themselves for higher prices.

“Chicken is by far one of the most affordable meats and sources of protein to many low-income South African homes, but with the current situation in the country, we are almost working at a loss.

The community that supports me will have to at least dig deeper in their pockets if this situation persists.

The load-shedding is crippling, and as small poultry farmers we are burdened. This situation will lead to closure of small farmers because of failure to sustain the farm.”

Dhludhlu said it is either reduce profit or increase prices.

“The situation is unbearable. It increases overall risk and causes more uncertainties. This state also affects job creation as we are not doing well, meaning we cannot create prospects for the people in Elukwatini.”

Dhludhlu said the birds need lights to grow, and running a generator is expensive. “I have a generator, but fuel is expensive, and the birds need power because they feed regularly. Without lights, they cannot feed and drink. In fact, there will be a loss.

I am suffering because I have to channel the profit into buying fuel so that I can sustain the business. We are requesting that the government take action in this situation and immediately create a comprehensive plan to address the underlying issues at Eskom and deal with load reduction.”

She said egg production is constantly halted.

“The incubation of eggs requires power for many hours. If it is stage 6 load-shedding with power gone for more than three hours, the production of eggs will be hampered, and it means I will take time sorting orders and delivering to my customers.”