Tobacco Farmers to be Paid in One And Half Hours

Source from:  News Net 03/25/2009

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board says stakeholders in the sector will soon engage the government to work out a payment framework that will ensure that farmers get paid soon after selling their tobacco. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board says stakeholders in the sector will soon engage the government to work out a payment framework that will ensure that farmers get paid soon after selling their tobacco. Chairman of the Board, Mr Njodzi Machirori, said TIMB is proposing that farmers be given their proceeds soon after selling their golden leaf. Mr Machirori said under normal circumstances growers should be paid within the space of one and a half hours after selling their crop adding that timeous payment of farmers will enable them to return to their homes instead of the scenario witnessed last year when tobacco growers set up makeshift homes outside auction floors while waiting for payment. Mr Machirori hailed the recent move by government to give farmers 100 percent retention on tobacco, a move he said will bring viability back on the sector. Auction floors are set to open on the 29th of this month and expectations are high the 100 percent retention will empower farmers and restore viability to the sector which has declined over the years. Enditem