Broiler farmers in Nakuru County have decried the lack of market for their mature birds and want the County Government to assist them since the demand from the local hotels were too low and many people prefer the indigenous chicken due to negative publicity against the former.
The Chairman of poultry farmers in the County, Michae Wachira said after they were disappointed with low prices of eggs many of them shifted to broilers but they have hit a dead-end unless they are assisted, they might abandon poultry farming.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with KNA, the farmer said there was an urgent need for the government to counter the negative publicity against the consumption of broilers because there was no proven study that they contribute to weight gain and non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Wachira said the broilers were grouped under white meat which was known worldwide as healthy compared to red meats.
He added that due to their delicate nature they were grown under very hygienic conditions compared to indigenous chicken which forages and scavenges for their food.
Wachira pointed out that the affected farmers were disadvantaged because they don’t have the HALAL label which was considered authentic for those who prefer eating broilers.
He added that the process and payment for the label were beyond many of the local farmers.
A super market worker, who prefers to stay anonymous since he is not authorised to speak to the media said local farmers’ broilers were hardly purchased, even when they are sold cheaper due to lack of the authenticating label.
By Veronica Bosibori
