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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 26921, member: 2262"] The tobacco auction floors will become busy starting tomorrow as the marketing season begins. Farmers feel hopeful because the Government promised payments within 48 hours from contractors and buyers. Many small businesses have already set up their shops nearby, including food sellers, car washers, and clothing vendors who expect good business from visiting farmers. Price differences between auction and contract floors worry many tobacco growers. Although contract prices are linked to auction prices, farmers want equal treatment across both systems. The auction floors mainly help establish market prices since they handle just 5 percent of all tobacco sales. Many contract farmers enjoy the benefit of delivering their crops closer to home since companies have opened drop-off points throughout smaller towns. Barbra Mashingaidze from Banket expressed what many farmers feel about the situation. She asked officials to ensure equal prices between auction and contract sales since production costs remain the same regardless of where farmers sell. Her neighbor, Tafara Muchenje, stressed how important quick payment becomes for farmers who need to settle their debts and invest in future projects. Excitement builds at Harare auction locations as farmers start bringing their tobacco to the two approved sites before opening day. Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga plans to lead the official ceremony on the Tobacco Sales Floor. Farmers hope market conditions will result in higher prices this season. They will receive 70 percent of their money in foreign currency and the remaining 30 percent in local currency. Tobacco Sales Floor has already received more than 50 bales ahead of the opening. The Premier Tobacco Auction Floor expects deliveries shortly after spending US$350,000 on repairs following a fire last September. These improvements help address health concerns, including the prevention of cholera outbreaks. Agricultural supply stores have stocked their shelves, preparing for increased demand during what promises to become a busy farming season. [/QUOTE]

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