Grains and oilseeds merchants urged to register

Elita Chikwati Senior Agriculture Reporter

The Agricultural Marketing Authority has called on individuals intending to buy or process grains and oil seeds during the forthcoming marketing season to register or renew their licenses with the authority by March 31.

The marketing season starts April 1 and ends on March 31 2023.

In a statement, AMA said registration could be done online.

“Registration is in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act (chapter 18;24) as read with the Statutory Instruments 147 of 2012 and 140 of 2013.

“Registration can also be done at One Stop Shop at Ngungunyana Building along Borrowdale road in Harare.

“Traders, processors, manufactures, associations and auction floors are required to submit returns for the previous season.

“Traders, processors, manufacturers, associations and auction floors who buy produce directly from farmers must submit the list of farmers who supplied them with the produce,” said AMA.

Government gave a new mandate to AMA to play a critical role towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy (2020-2025).

The authority is also expected to ensure that A1, A2 and other resettled farmers and business are linked to vibrant markets for the growth of the industry by December in pursuit of Vision 2030.