(HERALD) Tobacco farmers blast TIMB

Tobacco farmers blast TIMB
Sunday, 18 March 2012 10:27
Agriculture Reporter

Farmer organisations have criticised the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) for introducing a US$40 fine for late registration, saying the penalty was likely to increase production costs.

In an interview last week, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union (ZCFU) agronomist Mr Michael Mubvuma called on the authorities to reconsider the move, which was meant to compel farmers to register for the marketing season early. “We, as farmer organisations, are not happy with the fine, which we feel is too high,” he said.

“The cost of producing tobacco is already high and such a fine will not do us any good. It will increase the cost of production.”

Mr Mubvuma said stakeholders should view farming as a business with immense benefits to the economy, adding that the penalty would leave small-scale producers worse off.
“Of course, late registration is not good because it increases the number of days farmers will spend at the auction floors.

“However, US$40 is too much; the figure should be looked into. Last year, the auction floors opened early with only one company operating.

“There were long queues and the rains also compromised the quality of the bulk of the golden leaf. As a result, the prices were very low to the extent that growers walked away with nothing.

“As much as they wanted to register, most of them did not have money.
“They actually struggled to get bus fare, something the TIMB should also consider.”

Speaking at the official opening of the marketing season, TIMB chairperson Mrs Monica Chinamasa said registering early clears the way for proper planning.