Maravi

(HERALD) ‘Contractors must not exploit farmers’

‘Contractors must not exploit farmers’
Agriculture Reporter

Contractors should forge mutually beneficial partnerships with farmers so that both parties meet their ends of the bargain. Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union president Mr Silas Hungwe made the remarks against the backdrop of complaints from both sides about implementation of contracts.

Mr Hungwe challenged the responsible authorities to ensure that contractors did not exploit farmers, adding that contracted farmers should get due reward for their efforts.

"We need a clear guideline that will see farmers getting what they deserve after engaging in contract farming. Government has already come up with such a policy and what is needed is enforcement as some farmers are still crying foul," said Mr Hungwe.

In some cases, contractors give farmers inputs well after the recommended planting time.

Tobacco Farmers’ Association national chairman Mr Douglas Mhembere said there was need for the Government to organise workshops to educate farmers on contract farming. "The most affected are tobacco farmers who have always been on the losing side. This makes it imperative to educate farmers on what they should expect when they enter into contracts.

"They obviously need that knowledge just like they need the inputs," Mr Mhembere said.

Contractors, however, complain that farmers sell their crop to other buyers after having supported them throughout the season.

The problem of side-marketing has resulted in some legal challenges by the firms, the cotton sector being a case in point.

Labels: NEW FARMERS, SILAS HUNGWE, ZFU (ZIMBABWE)

posted by MrK @ 11:27 PM