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Tendai Gukutikwa In Mutare
FARMERS and agricultural inputs suppliers should rally behind the government’s introduction of bond notes as the move will guarantee the end of cash shortages in the country, a government official has said.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Manicaland, Cde Mandi Chimene aired these sentiments at the official opening of the 2016 Manicaland Agricultural Show, where she was officiating the event on Friday.
Min Chimene said farmers and all Zimbabwean citizens should welcome the coming of the bond notes as it will put an end to the cash shortages that are currently rampaging local banks and the nation at large.
She however, went on to castigate agricultural input suppliers who are over-pricing their products.
Said the minister;“All suppliers should not fail to follow behind the government’s thrust toward high productivity through exercise of ethical business practises by ensuring fair pricing of their products.
“Failure to do so will be unfair to the farmers who buy the input as they are being over-charged and will have no profits at the end of the farming season.
“Players in the sector also have a moral obligation to plough back to the farming community through adoption of a fine balance between profitability and supporting agriculture as the mainstay of the country’s economy.”
Minister Chimene further invited lending institutions to support the agricultural sector through provision of the required loans at concessionary interest rates.
She concluded by thanking the farmers, companies and exhibitors for managing to exhibit this year despite the challenging economic environment.
Online Reporter