Outstanding tobacco payments worry farmers

THE Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association (ZTGA) has expressed reservations over outstanding payments to some tobacco for 2022 deliveries, as the 2023 marketing season open next month.
This follows after about 300 farmers thronged the offices of Voedsel Tobacco, demanding their payments. George Seremwe, the president of the Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association (ZTGA), an amalgamation of four trade unions said it was disturbing that the 2023 marketing season will open with some farmers still being owed.

“More than 300 farmers camped at Voedsel offices in Glen Lorne demanding their money,” said Seremwe. “(Its) promises after promises. Some spent several days expecting their money. As we go into the next season, we are urging the authorities to ensure that the merchants owing the farmers clear all outstanding payments.”

A farmer, who spoke to this publication said he was owed more than US$4 000, but only got US$50 after spending more than three days. “We are appealing to TIMB to intervene because it appears that they (Voedsel) are reluctant to pay,” said the farmers.
Calls seeking comment from Tennyson Hwandi, director of Vodsale were not answered.

Voedsel is among the companies that were blacklisted by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) for failing to pay the farmers last season. “We need our farmers to be protected and we believe it is the responsibility of the authorities to take action so that there is sanity in the tobacco industry,” said Seremwe.

Last year, the TIMB said it was working to ensure that all outstanding payments are disbursed and advised affected farmers to approach the regulator for assistance.

The 2023 marketing season is expected to start on March 8, with the country anticipating to produce 230 million kilogrammes from 212 million kg last year.