Elita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
Horticultural farmers who sell their produce at Mbare Musika have appealed to Government for protection against harassment by middlemen popularly known as “makoronyera” who forcibly grab their crops and sell them on their behalf.
The farmers complained that they incurred huge losses as the middlemen may sometimes sell the produce at giveaway prices and also charge exorbitantly for the unsolicited ser- vice.
Affected farmers on Friday said they were producing high value crops but were failing to make meaningful profits because of middlemen, while they have no option as Mbare is the major marketplace.
Mutoko farmer Mr Douglas Nyawasha said farmers were terrified of the middlemen.
“When we get to the market, the middlemen grab our produce and start selling on behalf of the farmers.
“They charge any price depending with the day and deduct some money for selling on behalf of the farmer.
“This is unfair. We are the ones who produce and we should determine the prices for our produce. Farmers should be able to sell their produce as they are the ones who know production costs.
“We wish Government could put an end to the issue of conmen so we can operate in a peaceful environment,” he said.
Other farmers complained that they sometimes lost their produce to the midd- lemen.
They said it was not easy to account for the produce when the middlemen take over.
The farmers also complained of the health risk as the area is dirty and filthy most times.
Murehwa farmer Mrs Dorcas Muwani said there was no proper accommodation for farmers to put up in at the market- place.
“There are no toilets within the market and we hope authorities can improve the area so that we can carry out our business in a clean environment,” said another farmer.
Harare City Council is in charge of the Mbare Musika.
Harare City Council acting corporate communications manager Mr Michael Chideme said farmers should report the cases of harassment to police.
“We are in charge of the market and farmers pay us for conducting their business within the premises.
“We also encourage responsible use of ablution facilities so they remain in use,” he said.