PLANS to introduce a Farmers’ Market and Wholesale at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society Business Hub are underway as a way of decongesting Mbare Musika and offering farmers a convenient platform to market and sell their produce.
According to ZAS Chief Executive Officer, Dr Anxious Masuka, the COVID-19 outbreak has brought with it several challenges including the need to ensure a safe and reliable supply of food to consumers.
“Since the lockdown, Harare has had the Mbare Musika Market as the only central Fresh Farm and Horticulture supply location available to both farmers and residents.
Social and physical distancing continue to pose challenges for the market. There has, therefore, been justifiable suggestions to decentralise their marketing of farm produce,” said Dr Masuka.
Head- Works and Estate Services, Eng Enkelbert Makaure said ZAS already has in place the required COVID-19 safety measures such as hand Dr Anxious Masuka sanitisation, temperature checks as well as social distancing options.
“Our facilities will be subjected to regular disinfection. The main market will be located in the Glamis Arena which has an area of 30 000m2 and can safely accommodate 400-500 stalls even with social distancing,” said Eng Makaure.
The relevant authority is currently being sought from the City of Harare for ZAS to operate the farmers market.
Meanwhile, ZAS has also availed storage space within the Business Hub for organisations that require this service.
Head- Sales and Marketing, Cynthia Tapera said ZAS has adequate storage space for companies and individuals to utilise.
“We have secure surroundings with CCTV surveillance of the whole Business Hub in addition to 24hr security patrol,” she said.
