Farmers have right to challenge unfair pricing: TIMB

Patience Maturure-Agriculture Reporter

FARMERS can appeal to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) if they are dissatisfied with the prices offered by buyers.

The regulatory board has been educating farmers and promoting transparency to ensure growers get value for their crop.

TIMB public affairs officer, Mrs Chelesani Moyo Tsarwe said the board provided a platform for price appeals and prompt payment enforcement.

“Farmers have the right to reject the price offered for their tobacco and appeal for a fairer value. This ensures transparency, farmer empowerment and a fairer marketing system,” she said.

Mrs Tsarwe said under the mandate of Statutory Instrument (SI) 77 of 2022, contractors are required to pay farmers within 48 hours of delivery, ensuring timely compensation.

“To further protect farmers, TIMB is strengthening oversight and increasing transparency in the tobacco industry. In cases where farmers are dissatisfied with the prices offered, they can appeal through TIMB arbitrators at the selling floors,” she said.

This Mrs Tsarwe said provided a platform for farmers to voice their concerns and seek redress.

“Farmers are encouraged to report any delays in payment to TIMB, which will take swift action to enforce prompt payment and reinforce farmers’ rights in the marketplace,” she said.