NEW: Tobacco farmers urged to start land preparations

Online Reporter

THE newly-formed Zimbabwe Tobacco Farmers Association (ZITOFA) has hit the ground running and is currently negotiating with banks for farmers to access Government guaranteed soft loans.

Mr Ngoni Chikerema, the president of the 650-member association, said they are negotiating with five banks to select one that will offer the best packages for tobacco farmers.

“Of the five banks that we approached, three are considering us for Government guaranteed loans. Some of the banks advised us to go for group loans. We are going to work with the bank that offers the best packages,” Mr Chikerama said.

“We are pushing. The earlier we seal the deal the better for us. I urge tobacco farmers to start land preparations and consider irrigating their crops,” Mr Chikerema said.