The ManicaPost
Farming Reporter
THE establishment of rural-based agrodealers is an essential component in effective market-driven distribution of agricultural inputs, smallholder farmers in Mukwada Village of Mutare Rural District have said.
With most of the farmers in the area set to start preparations for the next summer cropping season, Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union district chairperson Mr Batsirai Beteta said having agrodealers in the vicinity enhances easy access to inputs and agro equipment.
“Without agrodealers in the area, most farmers incur high production costs as they have to travel to Mutare to procure inputs, equipment and herbicides for community gardens.
“This has posed serious challenges to many smallholder farmers’ enterprises as it sometimes inconveniences them. Farmers incur extra costs and also lose valuable time travelling to the city to get inputs,” said Mr Betera.
By setting up shop in the rural areas, Mr Betera added, agrodealers become major players in the agriculture value chain.
He said this also enhances farmers’ productivity as they transform into profitable business units.
