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CHIPINGE District Administrator, Mr Edgars Seenza, has called for transparency in the contractual agreement between small-scale banana farmers and Matanaska for the benefit of both parties.
Banana farmers in one of the biggest irrigation schemes, Msikavanhu/Mutema irrigation schemes in Chipinge called for a win-win situation between them and Matanuska, a banana marketing agent, as they felt being short-changed through the alleged exploitation of a frosty contractual agreement and exceptionally low prices set by the marketing agent. The Mutema Block 2 Banana Irrigation Project, which is divided into six sub-blocks, covers a 90-hectare land of banana plantation and consists of 238 farmers.
The marketing agent, Matanuska is said to buy the produce at a price of 18-22 cents per kg.
“Farmers should be given room to raise issues affecting them and to sign for what they understand so as to avoid problems.
“The contract document should include both an English and Shona version for the benefit of everyone,” said Mr Seenza.
On the issue of banana prices, Mr Seenza urged farmers to consult with the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) to get a clear picture of the market prices of their produce.
Mutema Irrigation Management Committee (IMC) chairperson, Mr Gwinyai Zikayi, alleged that farmers were being duped of the actual value of their produce.
“This project was set to expand. Farmers only need an enabling environment which gives a win-win situation which will benefit both the marketing agent and farmers,” said Mr Zikayi. Farmers alleged that Matanuska was exploiting them by offering low prices of their bananas. Mr Zikayi alleged that many farmers were not consulted in the drawing of the contract.
“We do not have a say on the prices of our bananas. In-fact, we did not agree with Matanuska, but we were just told to sign,” said Mr Zikayi.
Mr Seenza urged the farmers to look into the future with hope and play their part in ensuring the success of the project.
Online Reporter