Published: 04 September 2013

Farmer organisations are optimistic that the incoming government will finalise the setting up of the commodity exchange if the country is to realise fair value of agricultural produce.

The commodity exchange has been on the cards for the past two years with the establishment of the market failing to take off.

Under the previous government, it was supposed to be adopted in the first quarter.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Mr Wonder Chabikwa said the commodity exchange will play an important role towards boosting agricultural viability as farmers are neglecting food crops in favour of lucrative ones such as tobacco.

"As farmers, we have been calling for the setting up of the commodity exchange long back, but we are now pinning our hopes on the new government to seriously consider the establishment of the market for the benefit of farmers," Mr Chabikwa said.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union vice president, Mr Berean Mukwende said local farmers are not realising the full value of their produce and government should allow an alternative market, especially for wheat farmers.

"Under the current set up, it is difficult for farmers to realise their efforts. It is incumbent upon the new government to look into that as a matter of urgency, other buyers should compete with GMB to ensure that prices of commodities are lucrative," said Mr Mukwende.

The setting up of the commodity exchange will also do away with fixed prices of farm produce at the same time playing an important role towards mobilising resources.
- zbc

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