Zimbabwe: Chaos Over Low Prices

Source from:  The Herald  04/12/2013

Sales at Chidziva Tobacco Processors were temporarily suspended yesterday after farmers boycotted selling their burley tobacco due to the low prices offered by buyers.

This was the second time the sales were suspended as marketing failed to start the previous day due low prices.

Farmers only agreed to sell their crop after several meetings between the Air Cured Tobacco Association and buyers.

Honde Valley farmer Mrs Martha Bhiri, who grew the crop under contract system, said her crop fetched US15 cents per kilogramme on the first day. She described the price as disheartening.

"I need to pay transporters US$15 for a single bale. Back home there are workers waiting to be paid and what will I do if I sell a bale of tobacco for US$40. If the prices persist I will have to look for money elsewhere to pay for transport back home," she said.

Mrs Bhiri said burley tobacco growers in Honde Valley had entered into agreements with school heads to pay fees after selling their crop.

Chiweshe farmer Mr Favour Mhindurwa, said he had delivered his crop after agreeing with CTP on prices ranging from US$2 to US$4,04 per kilogramme.

"I am disgruntled by the situation. We will definitely fail to pay off our debts. I am not going to sell my crop at give-away prices," he said.

Banket farmer Mrs Tapera Webster said life was difficult for the farmers.

"I abandoned cotton production for burley tobacco now I am getting low prices.

"I grow maize and the Grain Marketing Board takes several months to pay me. So how am I supposed to live?" Enditem