Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 29506, member: 2262"] Tobacco farmers can't stop smiling at auction and contract floors these days. They love the stronger prices and higher sales numbers this season. The buying season has started well, and farmers enjoy selling without the problems of illegal side deals that hurt past seasons. Their happy faces show just how pleased they feel about everything. Farmers have already sold over 1 million kilograms of tobacco at auction floors, earning more than $3.2 million. The contract floors saw even better results, with 14.2 million kilograms sold for $50.6 million. Altogether, sales reached nearly $54 million - still behind last year's $69.3 million from the same period, but impressive nonetheless. Many farmers started selling earlier because more tobacco stayed growing in their fields, especially among smaller growers. When farmers talk about prices, you can hear real excitement in their voices. The average price sits at $3.51 per kilogram, up slightly from $3.42 last season. Some lucky farmers see even better results, with auction floor prices hitting $4.99 and contract floors reaching an amazing $6.30. These good prices make farmers feel they finally receive fair pay for all their hard work. Buyers rejected 6,174 bales at auction - more than the 5,552 turned away last season. This has worried many farmers about grading standards and quality requirements. Yet during interviews with The Herald at the auction floors, happiness remained the main feeling among sellers. Mr. Irvine Gandiwa from Kodzonge Village said prices seemed completely fair to him and his fellow farmers. "We feel happy because our tobacco is sold at good prices. We have nothing bad to say because we earned what we deserve. We brought ten bales and just wait for payment," Gandiwa explained. He thanked everyone for the current prices but asked for more extension workers to teach better tobacco grading and curing methods to improve quality. Another farmer named Chiratidzo Gurure from Guruve agreed with these thoughts. "I already sold five bales at good prices. The biggest problem comes from farmers bringing wet tobacco and not grading it correctly because they need more education," Gurure mentioned. Zvikomborero Mashambanhaka farms at Richmond Farm in Mhangura and loves this marketing season compared to last year. He said better prices let farmers make improved plans for their lives and families. Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association chairman George Seremwe reports that everything is running smoothly this season. He says prices remain fair, and more small-scale farmers are expected to start selling after they finish harvesting tobacco still growing in their fields. He hasn't heard any complaints from farmers about the selling process or conditions. The happy attitude among farmers shows their strength and determination through hard times. With better prices, prompt payments, and peaceful selling conditions, these hardworking people look forward to successful sales and better days ahead. Their shared happiness and hope fill the auction floors as they regain faith in their farming skills and future possibilities. [/QUOTE]

Name