January 24, 2013

More farmers in Zimbabwe have switched from traditional crops, such as corn, to focus on soy production and other small grains which are bringing lucrative prices on the market.

Zimbabwe Farmers' Union vice president, Mr Berean Mukwende, pointed out that a lot of farmers have turned to soy due to a number of factors.

These include the rainfall patterns received in a region, the high selling prices being offered compared to cotton, and the payment method after crop delivery which is spontaneous when selling soy.

According to a ZFU report released in early 2012, Staywell Trading was offering the highest price for soy last marketing season at US$520 per tonne, GMB was offering US$500 per tonne while Kurima Gold was offering US$480 per tonne.

Such prices are likely to lure farmers into growing soy, fetching a price ranging between US$225-US$280 per tonne last marketing season.