Farmers sell US$3m produce in May

FARMERS sold more than US$3 million worth of fresh produce at the Mbare Agriculture Market in May alone, 46 percent higher than a year earlier, underlining the sheer size and potential of the local fresh produce market, latest research by a Harare agriculture firm shows.

Experts say the figure could, however, be understated.

The study, conducted by local consultancy firm Knowledge Transfer Africa, which collected data on fresh produce from all of the country’s farming districts, shows that consumers spent US$1,2 million buying over 202 000 boxes of tomatoes in the month under review, the highest of any other produce delivered to the market.

Each box weighs around 20kg.

At least US$243 477 worth of groundnuts were sold, the second-highest contributor, says the study titled “Agriculture Performance through Ordinary People’s Markets”.

The research surveyed 6 250 farmers who sold different commodities at Mbare, from vegetables to wild fruits, gourds, tubers, fruits and field crops. Other agricultural products such as tea leaves and spices were also included.

In the fruits category, bananas topped the list with 7 697 baskets worth US$230 923 exchanging hands. Leaf vegetables raked in US$155 418 from 91 964 bundles.

An estimated US$47 000 was realised from the sale of wild fruits like masawu, nyii, mawuyu, tsubvu and snot apples.

Most of the produce was supplied by farmers from Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces, some of the country’s wettest zones, which contributed 62 percent and 16 percent respectively.

Matabeleland South anchored at 0,16 percent.

However, farmers are struggling to meet demand for other perishables like apples and onions, prompting traders to import from neighbouring South Africa.

It is estimated, for instance, that Zimbabweans consume over 20 000 tonnes of apples a year, but local producers are only able to supply between 5 000 to 6 000 tonnes a year.

The study also notes that unlike in some sectors, the increase in the number of farmers in horticulture has not resulted in a corresponding increase in the value of commodities sold at most of Zimbabwe’s urban agriculture markets.

Fruits and vegetables are highly perishable.

Farmers delivering produce at such markets as Mbare, Kudzanai (Gweru), Malaleni (Bulawayo), Sakubva (Mutare) and Njanji (Masvingo) get a raw deal due to the absence of refrigeration facilities.

Fresh Produce Marketing Association of Zimbabwe chair Mr Newton Jaravani said economic challenges facing the country meant farmers were forced to accept unrealistic prices irrespective of the quality of their produce.

“Companies have been closing or heavily downsizing operations, the same goes for wholesalers and retailers of fresh produce. Sometimes farmers just take any price so they can get rid of the produce before it perishes. The number of farmers has increased and need to be organised so as not to oversupply the market,” he said.

Reorganising the agricultural produce market would enable farmers to supply goods at the right quantities, qualities and packaging.

This, Mr Jaravani said, could be achieved by engaging with buyers, who, in turn, would give farmers their specifications.

“If buyers clearly outline what they expect from farmers, they will supply the right products at the right time. That way we can avoid any further losses and cut on imports. We do not need to import vegetables when we have farmers who can produce,” he said.

Knowledge Transfer Africa said developing markets as Mbare, Kudzanai and Sakubva is crucial for growth of the horticulture sector and could translate to economic growth.

“Policymakers should devote resources to local market development where the country’s resilience is well expressed . . .

“We need creative bridges between NGOs working in agriculture, farmer organisations, development agencies, the private sector, consumers and policymakers.”

Analysts contend that the Mbare Agriculture Market can be developed and modernised as the Johannesburg fresh produce market if stakeholders pool their efforts. Farmers could, as a result, be able to realise their potential, including getting full value for their product.

The Johannesburg market is a premier food hub that is run by a board of directors. It has become the stock exchange for fresh produce in the region.

Over 5 000 farmers from all over South Africa supply produce to the market on a daily basis.

The market has 55 cold rooms which can accommodate 4 561 pallets of fresh produce and banana ripening facilities to cut on losses usually incurred by horticulture farmers.

There are 14 market agencies that use the services of 200 sales people and approximately 50 resident wholesalers flourishing in the highly competitive market to ensure better prices for good, fresh produce.