Farmers need help finding markets
EDITOR — I want to thank His Excellency the President Cde Mugabe for his leadership which pushes for each and every Zimbabwean to have a better life regardless of tribal, racial or religious background.
We acknowledge the Zim-Asset programme and other endeavours though we are watching from afar here in Beitbridge.
In Beitbridge a number of people farm cattle and goats but we have a major challenge of finding customers for our produce. We have no market.
Through our farming enterprises, we are able to sell some of our livestock and get money for school fees and day to day use. However, most of us are not reaching profit maximisation.
Local farmers are losing their livestock to those who claim to be buyers. These buyers equate the price of a cow to that of a donkey.
These buyers are heartless; they simply tell people that beef price has dropped using people’s ignorance as an exploitation tool.
Farmers keep these beasts for three to five years before they sell them. During this time they feed, treat and dip these animals at a cost. It is not fair for people to come and declare their own price whilst turning a blind eye to the hidden costs farmers face at a given time.
We want to appeal to the relevant authorities to mobilise and link our farmers to genuine buyers who will offer legitimate and gazetted prices. Concerned Farmer, Beitbridge