Blessings Chidakwa  recently in Sanyati
Government is agonising over the side-marketing of cotton in Sanyati, which is seriously prejudicing the fiscus as Government, through Cottco, has heavily invested in the sector by providing free inputs to  farmers.

Addressing farmers during a field day in Sanyati’s Ward 6, assistant district administrator Ms Dzosai Muzvidziwa said side-marketing was a serious cause for concern.

It is believed that farmers opting to sell their crop to predatory cotton buyers are being paid way below market prices.

“The issue of side-marketing is a thorn in the flesh for the whole country and Sanyati is not spared.

“Last year, we had a lot of challenges in this district.

“Not only cotton farmers, but maize as well, to the extent that a bucket of maize was being sold for $2,” she said.

She said farmers should be grateful to Government for giving them inputs.

“Our Government is supporting you farmers with a lot of programmes. Avoid being lured by the side-marketers.

“We know sometimes they offer you hard cash. You should resist, as their buying prices will still be way below what Government offers,” she said.

Mr Kudakwashe Chinyoka, a renowned cotton farmer in Sanyati District, said on his part, there was every reason to deliver his crop through formal channels as this helps in paying back Government for its goodwill gesture.

“Government departments have been supportive throughout this farming season and hopefully l will return the favour by selling my produce at GMB,” he said.