adminLow producer prices and lack of financial support to farmers has led to the sharp decline resulting in industries that rely on the crop having to import the raw material.
Soya bean Promotion Taskforce chairman Professor Sheunesu Mupepereki said many farmers were eager to plant the crop.
“The major challenge was the late onset of rains countrywide. We cannot dry-plant soya beans. It is not recommended but many farmers were willing to plant the crop only to be let down by the rains,” he said.
“I think this is a temporary challenge considering that the circumstances surrounding the low hectarage planted were beyond our control.”
Prof Mupepereki said poor organisation by contractors had also led to the decline as contract farming arrangements were shambolic.
He said this resulted in artificial shortages of seed being created.
Prof Mupepereki, however, commended the Government and players in the industry for their efforts to revive the industry.
“There is now a full appreciation of the importance of soya beans in the country shown by the formation of an association by oil expressers.
“The Government on its part is doing all it can as seen by the Agricultural Marketing Authority agro bills initiative which was however hit by low subscription,” he said.
Production is likely to go up as long as the rains come early and support is availed to farmers, he said.
Soya beans contribute at least 30 percent of all the cooking oil production while cotton seed contributes 50 percent. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter