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Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri

Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
QUAIL bird producers are planning a meeting with the government to seek clarity over reports that their operations are illegal.

Last week, Environment Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri hinted on the suspension of trade in quail birds as an interim measure meant to pave way for the carrying out of a comprehensive study of production and selling of the birds.

The announcement has created anxiety and uncertainty among farmers although the same ministry later made a u-turn saying it remains committed to supporting the growth of the quail farming industry as well as the sustainable management of the wildlife.

Quail farming has become a hit with a number of people across the country, including Bulawayo, venturing into the project.

There are claims that quail meat and eggs have a high nutritional value and thus serving as food and for medicinal purposes to cure diseases such as hypertension (BP), liver ailments, cancer as well as boosting the immunity system.

Quail International chairman Energy Majazi, who is also chairman of the Bulawayo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises, said: “From the farmers’ point of view, it’s disheartening to note that the government has suspended commercial quail farming despite the benefits derived from such a project.

“However, through the Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises, we’re going to engage the government over the matter. We feel the position taken by the government is too harsh.”

He said quail breeders were not against the licencing of their projects with relevant authorities.

“We’re not against the idea of registering our projects with relevant authorities. And also the argument that we’re fleecing the market by claiming quail meat and eggs have medicinal elements, isn’t true because we’re only relaying testimonials that we’ve received from those that have ate quails,” said Majazi.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri has said while there are benefits derived from quail farming and trade, the project should be done in a sustainable manner and well regulated.

The government also intends to carry out a study to ascertain the health benefits of the birds.

Statutory Instrument 362 of 1990 compels any person who intends to keep or produce wildlife or fish for the purpose of selling to acquire a breeder’s license.