By ZBC Reporter
MACADAMIA nuts farmers are projecting increased tonnage of up to 10 thousand metric tonnes this season, despite the setback caused by tropical storms.
The Macadamia nuts marketing season opened with the majority of farmers in Chipinge optimistic of an increased tonnage despite the negative impact of tropical storms.
Macadamia Nuts Association of Zimbabwe Secretary General Mr James Maisiri said they are projecting between 8 and 10 thousand metric tonnes this season.
We are not expecting much this season because of this Covid pandemic because it has adversely affected the global market outlook. We are working on amending the SI 137 which has some loophole in addressing issues of side marketing, he said
Local Avocado and macadamia farmer Dephine Mbanje said there is a need to invest in machinery for processing to avoid price manipulation by local middlemen.
We are facing challenges of markets as small scale farmers because we sell through a third-party sometimes at very low prices than expected. We are happy with the initiative which ZimTrade is is spearheading, said Mbanje.
Meanwhile, the National Trade promotion body, ZimTrade is complementing small scale macadamia nuts farmers through facilitating direct market linkages.
The macadamia nuts industry is estimated to be worth between 15 and 25 million United States dollars.
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