The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Post Correspondent
FARMERS in Mutasa District have tapped into the technological trajectory to bridge the gap between them and the market following the successful launch of an online auction platform.
The online platform dubbed the Mutasa Auction Floors was pioneered by Farmers’ Intersection, which seeks to link farmers and markets by creating a platform where produce is viewed by more than five markets and sold to the highest bidder.
Speaking at the Mutasa Auction Floor symposium that was hosted by Farmers’ Intersection at Watsomba Business Centre last Thursday, Mr Melrose Nyamutata, said with the unique auction system, the field-to-shop time period would be reduced in many instances.
The symposium was attended by buyers, farmers and agronomists.
“The online auction floor is the market’s link to thousands of farmers, but dealing with one supplier. The method is efficient and it is the first time that it has been implemented in the country and I am sure the world over as well.
“We cater for farmers and buyers who have difficulties in securing quality products, consistent supply, worthwhile quantities, frustrations dealing with multiple suppliers, losing time managing small transactions, communication breakdown and haggling over-pricing,” said Mr Nyamutata.
While on the online auction floor system, farmers grade and package their products for auction at home or community points before forwarding them for sale.
On arrival, the products are checked by Standards Association of Zimbabwe trained graders, labelled, photographed and all details entered onto the Farmers’ Intersection auction database which is open for all to view.
“When the auction commences, only registered buyers can bid for the products on offer, in real-time and on-line via the internet. Once a sale is made, the sold product is dispatched to the nearest major population centre (transport hub) for delivery, or to link in with other transport mechanisms for national distribution,” said Mr Nyamutata.
Mr Nyamutata, however, said, to date, farmers were only responsible for logistics and costs of delivering their products to the auction floor.
Once sold, the products are prepared and dispatched to the nearest population centre or transport hub by Farmers’ Intersection.
Transport costs after delivery to the auction floors are covered in the purchase price.
Local farmer Mrs Jane-Rose Sakupwanya said the online auction floor was efficient and stress-free as one only needs to deliver their produce to the auction floor and wait until they are bought.
“The challenges that we have been facing as farmers in Mutasa have all been eliminated by the advent of the online system. All we have to do is deliver our products at the floors and wait for the money,” she said.
Mr Panganai Pengapenga, a farmer from Honde Valley said before the launch of the Mutasa Auction Floors, they used to transport their produce to Sakubva and Mbare where it would take them more than a week dispose of their produce.
“Now we do not have to go to Harare or Mutare to sell our produce because the market has come to our doorsteps,” he said.
