The ManicaPost
Farming Reporter
STANBIC Bank Zimbabwe sponsored a boom spray and generator at the annual Tobacco Sales Floor Grower of the Year awards ceremony held in Harare recently.The bank has been an associate sponsor since 2009, demonstrating the financial services institution’s full appreciation of the critical role and the significant economic and social contribution tobacco farming makes to sustain the well- being of the country.
Concession tobacco grower, Mr Godfrey Muchewura was the proud winner of the boom spray after being named second runner-up in the large scale tobacco farming section having utilised 10 hectares for the crop.
Mr Tendai Nyabani was named transporter of the year and received a generator for his entrepreneurial skills which saw him put together a fleet of five trucks which help tobacco growers transport their crop to the auction floors.
Speaking at the event, Stanbic Bank sector head -transactional products and services, Mr Stanley Sachikonye, said the bank acknowledged that funding was of vital importance to tobacco farmers coupled with the need to develop convenient, relevant and appropriate banking solutions for tobacco farmers and farming in general.
“As a bank we are aware of the significant challenges that continue to impact tobacco farmers which include poor rains, dry land cropping and at times incessant rains leading to prolonged tobacco curing and false, early, rapid ripening of the product resulting in an inferior product quality, “ said Mr Sachikonye.
He noted that other challenges include the global anti- tobacco campaign which will result in diminished demand for the product and subdued product pricing and stiff competition from other producers –the likes of Brazil, China and America.
Mr Sachikonye urged farmers to take advantage of the bank’s Tobacco Bluecard to conveniently enable them undertake their transactions.
“The Blue Card has been enhanced through the increase in POS Machines nation- wide. Stanbic Bank now has 2346 POS machines to facilitate transactions.”
Mr Muchewura thanked Stanbic Bank for its contribution towards propping up the farming sector.
He said the boom spray was a requisite reward and served as an incentive for other farmers to work hard and contribute not only for their own welfare but that of the nation.
“I say hats off to Stanbic Bank and long may its support continue. Such awards are the ideal incentives for us to keep going despite the harsh operating conditions,” said Mr Muchewura.
Mr Nyabani said the generator would go a long way in spurring other transport operators to play their part in ferrying tobacco to the floors in the hope of winning.
“I was inspired by last year’s winner and from that day this gave me the determination to land this prize. I am pleased to have been rewarded for my efforts, thanks to this gesture by Stanbic Bank and TSF ,” said Mr Nyabani.
Stanbic Bank is a member of the Standard Bank Group whose footprint spans across 20 African Countries and has a branch network of 20 in the country as follows: Harare, nine branches, Bulawayo, three branches, while Kwekwe, Gweru, Victoria Falls, Hwange,Chegutu, Ngezi, Beitbridge, Chitungwiza and Mutare have one branch each.
