The current high temperatures have inflicted heavy losses on fresh produce farmers trading at Mbare Musika. Fruits and vegetables are deteriorating under the scorching heat in the absence of storage facilities. Poor infrastructure at Mbare Musika has perceived a threat to farmers, as their commodities are quickly perishing due to exposure to direct heat, leaving them with little or no economic returns.
Farmers are incurring heavy losses in fresh commodities like fruits and vegetables due to excessive heat. For example, for every 100 tomatoes almost 60 may not be sold because they are lost due to heat. Poor infrastructure at the market is a big issue. All markets really need better sheds, better cooling facilities so that we store our produce safely from excessive heat, which is depriving farmers of profits.
Deputy director Strategic, Policy Planning and Business Development in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Freeman Gutsa confirmed that better infrastructure should be put in place at the markets.
Source: herald.co.zw