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Charmaine Brown Herald Reporter
Farmers from different parts of the country who supply vegetables to Mbare Musika have expressed concern over the high cost of transport which have made their produce uncompetitive. Some of the farmers told The Herald yesterday that demand for their produce has also been affected by premiums charged on EcoCash transactions.

“We are facing a lot of challenges, transporters are charging higher rates and not only that, they want cash because they argue that they are buying fuel using cash,” they said.

“When we come to the market, we have no choice but to insist on cash payments, but most of the clients do not have cash.

“Those that have cash, who buy in bulk, leverage on that by dictating the prices that we should charge them and as you know, we are dealing in perishables, and most of us do not reside here and cannot afford to put up for the night, we give in to avoid total losses.”

Mrs Chenesai Mudzinga, a commercial farmer from Bindura said most farmers were now failing to transport their fresh produce to various towns due to high transport costs.

“As a farmer from Bindura, I am failing to transport my produce to various towns such as Harare and Kadoma because the transport fees are too much,” she said.

“I grow onions and whenever I do manage to bring my produce to the market, I have no choice but to pass on the cost to my customers, which makes them more expensive. For instance, ideally I should be selling a 10kg pocket for $40, but I have been forced to sell at $52 per 10kg per bag so that I don’t lose out,” she said.

Mr Noah Chaunzi, a trader who mainly deals in potatoes said sales have been low due to people insisting on cash payment and also because of the percentages being charged on EcoCash transaction.

“As traders, we are experiencing reduced sales due to demand for cash and the 40 to 45 percent levied on Eco-Cash payments.

Many people buy potatoes using EcoCash, so I have no option but to pass on that cost to my customers.

Meanwhile a snap survey showed that potatoes are now selling at $50 per 15kg, while butternuts are now pegged at between $20 and $25 per 8kg.

Cabbages are ranging from $2 to $3 per head, while tomatoes are selling for $20 per box.