adminThe Comez was launched last year to improve marketing of agricultural products which had been fraught with distortions.
A commodity exchange is a market where buyers and sellers trade commodity-linked contracts on the basis of procedures laid down by the exchange.
Such exchanges typically act as a platform for trade in futures contracts, or for standardised contracts for future delivery.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) chief economist Mr Prince Kuipa said farmers hoped opening the Comez would promote orderly marketing of agricultural produce.
“We appeal to the Government for the operationalisation of Comez as early as yesterday. We are surprised why that has not been done since an exchange has numerous advantages to farmers,” he said.
“We were together in the formulation of the commodity exchange hoping that farmers would realise a profit for their labour instead of fly-by-night buyers who fleece farmers of their produce,” he said.
Mr Kuipa said other African countries such as Ethiopia had introduced the commodities exchange successfully.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) vice-president Mr Maideyi Maswi concurred with Kuipa, saying the Comez should operate this marketing season.
“Everything is quiet in terms of Comezand as farmers, we are not happy with the delay. We want farmers to trade on the commodity exchange as soon as possible,” she said.
Industry and Commerce permanent secretary Abigail Shonhiwa confirmed that there were sticky issues still pending.
“There are certain issues which need to be ironed out and we are still consulting with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Marketing Authority,” she said.
“Our mandate is to make sure the commodities exchange gets operating so that farmers benefit,” she said.
The agricultural sector is on the rebound although many farmers continue to face challenges with marketing their produce, which the Comez is expected to bring to an end. — New Ziana
Online Reporter