AMA launches cattle auctions

Theseus Shambare

Unscrupulous cattle buyers will soon be out of business after the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) on Thursday launched the Communal Cattle Auction Sales programme, as the Government steps up efforts to ensure effective marketing of livestock to uplift communal livelihoods.

Under the programme, AMA will facilitate holding of such cattle auctions every month in different districts around the country.

Of late, unregistered cattle buyers have been fingered for fleecing farmers through underpayment, fuelling cattle theft and failing to pay farmers on time.

In line with the Livestock Growth and Recovery Plan under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), AMA seeks to make cattle rearing a profitable sub-sector by setting up a well-coordinated, transparent and competitive bidding auction platform where buyers can offer reasonable prices to farmers.

The inaugural auction, launched in Insiza, had several buyers, qualified meat graders and registered auctioneers.

Speaking at the launch, Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Professor Obert Jiri said unscrupulous cattle buyers have been short-changing farmers.

“The days of deceitful cattle buyers are over; AMA is here to make farmers realise the value of their cattle. Government’s policy is very clear, making sure that all farmers, especially small-holder farmers, take cattle farming as a viable business,” he said.

AMA chief executive officer Mr Clever Isaya said any cattle buyer who wishes to engage in trading must be licensed, as violation of this requirement attracts prosecution.

“We have come up with this auction platform to protect farmers from fly-by-night traders who feast at the expense of the producer.

“At this platform, we mobilise credible registered buyers to meet with cattle owners and conduct their transactions in a transparent manner which satisfies both parties,” said Mr Isaya.

Buy Zimbabwe chairperson and AMA board member, Mr Munyaradzi Hwengwere, said farmers were subjected to poor prices as there was no competition from buyers.

“Here in Insiza, for example, farmers used to come with more than 100 cattle for one buyer who would have come for only 40 cattle.

“Farmers would give in to paltry offers. With this setup, farmers are guaranteed bargaining power over their cattle and they will realise better value,” he said.

A total of 123 beasts were on offer at the inaugural Communal Cattle Auction Sale, with 78 bought.

The highest priced beasts were sold at over US$600 each and one farmer Mr Nayaison Masvasvi (85) pocketed close to US$2 000 for his three cattle.