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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
MACADAMIA nuts farmers in Chipinge are at loggerheads with buyers over the low prices being offered for their highly valuable product.
The marketing season for macadamia nuts officially opened last month.
The macadamia nuts farmers have said they want a win-win situation with buyers so as to match their costs of production.
So far, the nuts are being sold at an average price of US$1,20 per kg; with the buyers arguing that the supply of macadamia nuts to the country’s major market in China is oversubscribed.
ln 2019, prices were between US$2,80 and US$3,40.
Speaking during a meeting for macadamia farmers in Chipinge last week on Saturday, chairperson of Macadamia Farmers’ Association, Brigadier-General Zitterson Gideon Sabeka said the prices being offered by buyers could destroy the macadamia industry.
“There is an outcry from farmers over the issue of macadamia nuts prices. US$1,20 per kg is very low. In South Africa, the price of macadamia nuts is around US$4 per kg, while in China, a kilogramme costs US$10.
“The costs of inputs for macadamia nuts are going up and if the selling price continues going down, farmers will not break even. This will eventually kill the macadamia industry,” said Brig-Gen Sabeka.
Some farmers interviewed said the major chunk of their money goes to inputs and pesticides.
Macadamia fertiliser such as SSP is now being sold for US$35 per 50kg, while MOP fertiliser shot up to US$40 per 50kg.
Fastac insecticide now cost US$43 per litre.
Speaking during the event, Patron of Macadamia Association of Zimbabwe, Dr Win Mlambo urged buyers to avoid side marketing to stop thefts.
“Buyers should avoid buying the nuts from unregistered farmers. These nuts are usually immature and of poor quality. The policy of the association is that all buyers have to buy the nuts from the farms,” said Dr Mlambo.
Online Reporter