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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
A SHORTAGE of fruits and vegetables following the government’s ban on the importation of fresh produce into the country has triggered panic buying in Bulawayo.The government banned imports of fresh fruit and vegetables last week saying increased local production would be able to meet domestic demand.
A majority of fruit vendors were importing tomatoes, mangoes, grapes and apples from neighbouring South Africa.
A survey by Business Chronicle showed that vendors and supermarkets, including Food Lovers market in Bradfield were failing to get enough fresh produce from local suppliers to meet demand.
This has caused hoarding of produce like onions that have a long shelf life.
Vendors and supermarkets said while it was a good idea for the government to support local producers, the ban was a huge inconvenience to consumers.
“There are no onions in the city. The few places that have them are increasing the price. I bought four onions that used to go for R5 at $1. Cabbages that used to be sold at $1 for two now cost $2. I cannot do without onion, so I am buying as much as I can before prices are increased further,” said Zibusiso Dube.
“Since last week there has been an acute shortage of onions at the markets which resulted in the available few going up to $20 from about $4 per 10kg pocket.
“We are not against supporting local farmers but the government should first look into such issues before they make decisions. Soon after the ban there was a shortage as we ran out of stock,” said Cassandra Sibanda, a vegetable vendor at the market along Fife Street and Fifth Avenue.
“Some people, however, have found a way of smuggling the fresh produce into the country from South Africa. They are inflating prices and the consumers suffer.”
Sibanda said exploitation of consumers could have been avoided if the government had gradually phased out imports.
She said local farmers had moved away from producing fruits and vegetables when cheaper imports flooded the market.
Food Lovers director Paul Kruger said some fruits and vegetables were not readily available from the local market.
“We know that this is meant to support local producers and regenerate money amongst ourselves but the problem with local fruits and vegetable producers is that they are not able to supply enough or meet our exact standard,” said Kruger.
“Business is consumer driven and we should remember that we should create a balance between the producer and the consumer.”
Kruger said Food Lovers Supermarket had a total of 130 suppliers but they still needed to import some of the fruits and vegetables which are not available in the country.
“There is some fresh produce which is not available in the country yet it is important for us to have continuity for the benefit of our consumers.
“Sometimes we place orders and our local suppliers promise to bring the products, but spend days with nothing on our shelves which is unfair to the customers.,” said Kruger.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture responsible for Cropping, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Cde Davis Marapira could not be reached for comment.
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