By A Correspondent- There was consensus between Mutema banana farmers and Matanuska private Limited (Friday) as both parties shook hands following a meeting to resolve the existing contractual disparities.

Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYCD) Director, Claris Madhuku confirmed the development in a post on facebook and said:

“The vicissitudes of contract farming: The case of Mutema banana farmers in ChipingeI can report that the voice of the banana farmer in Mutema has been confirmed today on the 9th of April 2021.

A meeting organised to discuss a contractual dispute between Mutema banana farmers and Matanuska Pvt Ltd ended with both parties shaking hands.

Mutema banana farmers were articulate and clear that while contract farming improves and guarantees access to inputs and outputs, their arrangement with Matanuska was being manipulative and skewed, therefore needing redress .

At the end of the day, it was agreed that there will be a new contract to be negotiated by both parties on agreed terms as equal partners. One of the controversial contracts was expiring in April 2021.”

Madhuku said his organisation celebrated the latest development after having lobbied for solidarity towards the cause.

“I now celebrate on behalf of other progressive community leaders and stakeholders for a job well done.

A win win arrangement remains the best for the way forward. There was enough solidarity which will continue to be extended to the banana farmers to ensure that their voice is not drowned during the negotiation process.

The local authority remained supportive and respective of the deliberations without any interference.”