Online Reporter
Patience Maturure-Agriculture Reporter
The Agricultural Marketing Authority has unveiled measures to promote order and efficiency in the production and marketing of agricultural products.
Under the new arrangement, the authority will penalise non-compliant contractors who fail to adhere to the regulations.
In a statement, AMA’s acting chief executive, Mr Jonathan Mukuruba, said a digital platform for farmer registration had been put in place to tighten the noose on contractors who flout regulations.
Mr Mukuruba said failure to utilise AMA’s central registration system would result in a penalty of US$1 000.
“The authority has developed a digital system for farmer registration during the input distribution process.
“This system aims to eradicate side marketing and minimise human interference in the distribution and marketing processes,” he said.
“Every contractor must enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the authority at the beginning of each season.
“This MOA will specify the contractor’s responsibilities to the authority.
“Contractors are required to use the authority’s central registration system for onboarding farmers.
“They must also ensure that valid contracts are signed between themselves and the farmers, detailing the contracted hectare and the distributed inputs,” he said.
According to AMA, contracts must be signed in triplicate, one copy for the contractor, one for the farmer and the third to be submitted to the authority by December 31.
“Contractors distributing inputs without a valid contract with a farmer will be liable for a fine of US$200 per farmer.
“Additionally, contractors failing to produce a valid signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Agricultural Marketing Authority will also face a fine of US$1 000,” he said.
AMA is making efforts to protect farmers from unscrupulous contractors who do not honour their obligations and thus fuelling side marketing.
