Staff Reporter

The side marketing of grain and other cereals by farmers is posing a threat to the country’s food security.

A source at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has revealed that this year’s grain and cereal stock has dropped by 51% owing to some farmers who have resorted to illegal side trading of their produce to private players despite having received inputs through Government’s incentivised agricultural programmes.

“This year we have seen a sharp decline in grain stocks for maize, traditional grains and wheat, owing to side marketing by farmers. This is despite the fact that Government has incentivised farmers through Command Agriculture programme and Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming programme,” said the source.

According to the source, as of 11 September 2022, GMB had received just 457 250 metric tonnes (MT) as compared to the same period last year when it received 893 347 MT.

Other grains collected as at 11 September this year are traditional grains which stand at 69 678 MT while wheat stands at 54 842 MT.

“As of 11 September 2022, GMB has received just 457 250 MT of maize compared to 893 347 MT received last year. Other types of grain we received this year include traditional grain which stands at 69 678 MT and wheat at 54 842 MT,” the source said.

Apart from incentivising farming inputs by 100%, Government has also added payment incentives which have seen farmers being paid Z$100 000 plus US$90 per tonne. An uninterrupted power supply to wheat farmers to irrigate their crop was facilitated by Government.

The source said due to this situation, Government would import 105 000 MT of maize to ensure the country is food secure.

Meanwhile, some citizens have called on Government to direct GMB officials to carry out awareness campaigns on the importance of farmers remitting their grain to GMB. They have also implored Government to intensity spot checks as a means to curb this unlawful act at various road blocks across the country.