Zimbabwe’s motoring public was disappointed to learn that much like its predecessors, the bond notes, RTGS and Zimbabwe dollars, the ZiG could not be used to buy fuel at service stations.
Nevertheless, a specific group of Zimbabweans can now buy fuel using ZiG at select service stations.
According to a report by The Herald, farmers have been provided with a facility to buy fuel using the newly launched ZiG currency at selected service stations. This initiative, spearheaded by the Government, aims to ensure a bumper winter wheat harvest.
Under this setup, farmers affiliated with a recognized farmers’ organization can register with the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and then use ZiG to procure fuel at Petrotrade fuel stations.
Professor Obert Jiri, the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, emphasised the importance of this facility for wheat farmers. He urged them to seize this opportunity, emphasising that it would streamline their agricultural activities by ensuring access to essential resources like fuel.
“Last year during the winter season farmers, through their unions, had access to the local currency fuel. So, this year again we have that programme where farmers could buy fuel in ZiG. This programme enables farmers to go to the fields and do tillage and also other operations at ease, while we concentrate on ensuring that seed, fertiliser and chemicals are available,” he said.
Additionally, Mr Cliff Chiduku, a communications expert from AMA, encouraged wheat farmers to register with the organisation. This registration will help ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity and water, crucial for boosting this season’s wheat production.
Source iHarare
