Zimpapers Logo

Elton Manguwo

FARMERS have commended the Government for gazetting Statutory Instrument (SI) 56 of 2023 as a market policy saying the move would enable them to sell their maize at competitive prices and subsequently realise the maximum value of the crop.

The gazetting of SI 56 of 2023 comes at a time the country is seized with boosting agricultural productivity to achieve food security as well as transform the agriculture sector for subsistence production to a business-oriented approach in line with dream to attain an upper middle income economy by 2030.

In an interview, Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) Secretary General Mr Paul Zakariya said gazetting of the new SI was a step in the right, as it brought market liberalisation, which enabled farmers to sell their maize at economical prices.

“This is a welcome development, as the country transitions from controlled market to a space that gives farmers more options for marketing,” said Mr Zakariya.

Maize production plays an integral role in the Zimbabwean economy and the new marketing arrangements are critical in ensuring that farmers receive viable and strategic crop producer prices.

“The new statutory instrument should be able to support farmer profitability and encourage them to continue producing,” said Mr Zakariya.

With the Government pushing towards transforming the country’s subsistence farmers into successful business people through various partnerships, SI 56 of 2023 that is replacing the SI 145 of 2019 is set to propel and encourage contract farming.

“SI 56 of 2023 is giving a clear definition of a contract and the responsibility of a marketing board, which are key components in protecting those involved in contract arrangements,” said Mr Zakariya.

Favourably, the SI 56 of 2023 comes at the backdrop of various Government and key stakeholder engagements on viability of agricultural enterprises.

The Government has been working towards creating a sustainable business environment through legislative amendments so that farmers can sell and benefit from their produce.

“The new marketing arrangement will take into consideration the different nature of farmers by clustering them into different groups such as the self-financed, Pfumvudza beneficiaries and private contractor financed,” said Mr Zakariya.

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and Cottco will purchase strategic crops financed under the Presidential Input programme as well as self-financed farmers, although GMB may purchase grains from contactors.

“All contractors including the Food Crops Contractors Association (FCCA) and the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS) are obliged to buy back contracted crops at market prices,” Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka once observed.

To enhance tracking of national stocks of maize and ensure food security food, the Government is mandating everyone looking to trade in maize to be registered.

Maize is the country’s staple grain, which makes it crucial to create an enabling environment for both its production and marketing.