Mr and Mrs Chinyani from Shamva (far right) receiving their TSF Grower of the Year Runner up award (generator and boom spray) from Stanbic Bank manager Willing Dizawatiza. Looking on is TIMB chairperson Monica Chinamasa and TSL chairman Anthony Mandiwanza

STANBIC Bank Zimbabwe has unveiled a Debit Card for tobacco a farmer which enables them to facilitate transactions with effect from this farming season.
The Tobacco Debit card can be assessed any Tobacco farmer as long as they have an identification card (ID) and grower number.
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Palmer Mugavha said there is no minimum opening deposit required.
“As Stanbic Bank we understand the big challenges faced by tobacco farmers which include poor rains and dry land cropping. Most importantly, the need for funding is paramount and so is the need for the development of convenient, relevant and appropriate banking solutions for tobacco farmers and farming in general,” said Mugavha.
He said the Tobacco Debit card comes with numerous benefits such as no monthly Service fee charged, receiving payment of tobacco sales proceeds in a safe and convenient manner as well as ensuring that one does not have to carry large sums of cash.
The Tobacco Debit card enjoys protection because a Stanbic ATM card and Blue 247 mobile banking cards each have security PINS to protect one’s funds.
Mugavha said the card holder can access cash through Stanbic machines or other Zimswitch ATMs and POS terminals country-wide while it affords the possibility to transfer funds from one’s account to an Ecocash wallet or from the Ecocash wallet to an account.
“We invite both existing and potential customers to come and enjoy this new product which was designed and tailor made for farmer convenience”, said Mugavha.
He said Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has been actively participating in the tobacco farmers’ Tobacco Sales Floor (TSF) Grower of the Year Awards which they have been sponsoring since 2010.
Mugavha said Stanbic bank Zimbabwe valued the strong relationship it enjoyed with TSF and Tobacco farmers.
He said Stanbic fully appreciates the significant economic and social contribution tobacco farming makes to uplift the well- being of our country.
Stanbic Bank is a member of the Standard Bank Group whose footprint spans across 20 African countries, and hosts a branch network of 20 where farmers can access quality banking services as demonstrated by the various accolades (both local and foreign) awarded to the bank in 2015.
“We have received in the past years, Best Bank in Zimbabwe by EMEA Magazine, Best Bank in Zimbabwe by Global Finance Magazine and Best Bank in Zimbabwe by Top Companies Survey” he said .
Mugavha said The Tobacco Grower of the Year Awards is highly competitive and it is this positive rivalry that will motivate farmers to strive for a better quality crop and higher yields.