adminbreach of their contracts.
The farmers are also being accused of defaulting in repaying loans.
The farmers have failed to repay loans ranging from US$1 200 to US$2 000 each after they received farming inputs and technical expertise for the 2010 tobacco farming seasons.
According to the agreement, the farmers were not supposed to sell the tobacco to any other buyers.
The company argues that it deployed assessors who were monitoring progress at the farms of contracted farmers and they confirmed that the 20 at least harvested enough to repay the loans but decided to sell the tobacco elsewhere.
Northern Tobacco has since written off the loans of some farmers who evidently had a poor yield due to circumstances beyond their control but instituted legal action against those they believe were in willful default.
Through Harare lawyer Mr Maxwell Mavhunga of Mavhunga and Associates, Northern Tobacco has filed civil suits against the 20 farmers at Mutare Civil Magistrates’ Court.
The matters have been spread between August 8 and 10 for trial.
By yesterday, none of the cited farmers had responded to the claims.
The company supplied fertilizer, chemicals, coal, cash, diesel and professional advice to the farmers for last year’s farming season.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter