adminLuthando Mapepa
MACADAMIA farmers in Chipinge are crying foul over the falling of prices the nuts this year. The best quality of the unshelled nuts is fetching around $2 per kg this year compared to $4 to $5 per kg it was being sold for last year.
A check by The Manica Post revealed that many farmers’ nuts were being rejected by the buyers who are demanding good quality nuts.
Most of the desperate farmers end up selling the nuts for a song.
One of the buyers, who spoke on condition on anonymity, said emerging macadamia farmers were producing poor quality nuts which fail to meet the grade at international level.
He said the traditional market for kernels (cracked nuts) in China and Australia required good quality nuts.
“Our buying prices for the nuts this year has not fallen compared to last year, but what is happening this year is that we are only buying best quality nuts at best prices. We faced stiff competition last year when trading overseas which is our main reason for price adjustments.
“We are not saying we are not buying poor quality nuts, but this time we are doing thorough assessments, hence the price differences. Our company is willing to pay $5 per kg for the best nuts,” he said.
Small-holder farmers in Chipinge do not enjoy export markets compared to giant companies like Makandi and Tanganda.
China is emerging as the fastest growing market for Zimbabwean macadamia nuts over the years with South Africa being another export destination for the nuts.
It is reportedly that the best quality of cracked nuts fetches around $12 to $16 per kg in China and Australia respectively.
Interviewed farmers call for the establishment of marketing associations in Chipinge that will help them in determining the prices of the nuts.
Mr Tafirenyika Muyambo urged farmers to unite and speak with one voice.
“I think we are being subjected to these poor prices by the buyers because they know that we do not have an alternative market. We need to be united as farmers and speak with one voice for a win-win situation,” he added.
Online Reporter