Staff Reporter
Government released US$5 million as payment to wheat farmers, bolstering efforts for the winter planting season.
The payment processed this Monday, forms part of ongoing efforts to clear outstanding amounts owed for wheat deliveries.
This financial boost arrives at a critical moment, when planting for the winter crop intensifies across the nation.
Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Edson Badarai informed that the latest disbursement by the GMB was part of a broader initiative to ensure farmers receive timely compensation, encouraging them to meet national agricultural targets.
"The Grain Marketing Board wishes to advise farmers and stakeholders that payments for wheat farmers have been made. To date, wheat payments totalling US$28.7 million have been made, while the Zimbabwe dollar component was completed sometime back," stated Dr Badarai.
Dr Badarai further elaborated that this week Government released US$5 million to clear amounts owed to wheat farmers.
"This Monday, GMB made payments amounting to US$5 million. We appreciate our farmers for their patience and assure them that the balance will be paid as soon as the Government releases it. The latest payment to farmers follows another batch of US$14.6 million processed two weeks ago, making it US$19.6 million in total," added Dr Badarai.
Economist Patience Mwenje said that this strategic release of funds underscores Government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and stabilising food supply chains in Zimbabwe.
“The payments are timely as farmers gear up to achieve the national wheat production target of 600 000 metric tonnes from 120 000 hectares. The latest payment reduces the outstanding foreign currency component owed to farmers for 2023 wheat deliveries to US$15 million, with all local currency components already settled," said Mwenje.
Mwenje added that Government's concerted efforts to expedite these payments was crucial in maintaining the momentum of the wheat planting season and ensuring that farmers are motivated and financially equipped to contribute to the national goal.
As the country continues to work towards self-sufficiency in strategic cereal crops, these financial interventions by Government play a pivotal role in cultivating a robust agricultural framework.
