Staff reporter
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has announced a new payment structure for grains, offering farmers US dollar payments upon delivery of their produce.
Under the new payment scheme, maize and traditional grains will now fetch US$390 per tonne. Sunflower seeds will earn US$713 per tonne, up from US$696, while the producer price for soya beans has been set at US$620 per tonne, an increase from US$580.
Speaking to this publication, the GMB chief executive officer, Dr Edson Badarai, emphasized the joint commitment of the Parastatal and Treasury to meet farmers’ expectations and achieve national food security.
"We are encouraging farmers to deliver maize and other grains to GMB and payment will be made within 21 days. Having our silos full will ensure that the whole nation is well-fed and no one will die of hunger as promised by President Mnangagwa," he said.
The Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president, Dr. Shadreck Makombe, praised the Government’s responsiveness to farmers’ needs.
"This is going to have a positive impact and that is exactly what we were asking for all these years. Government is sensitive to the farmers’ plight. This means we are moving forward as a team. We applaud the Government for that and it is up to us as farmers to do what we know best, that is to produce for national food security," said Dr. Makombe.
Similarly, Zimbabwe National Farmers Union (ZNFU) president, Ms. Monica Chinamasa, noted that the announcement was long overdue.
"This new payment structure will undoubtedly encourage more farmers to deliver their produce to the national silos, thereby boosting our strategic grain reserves," she said.
Furthermore, Dr Badarai highlighted that GMB is set to ensure the early distribution of inputs to over 3.5 million small-holder farmers under the Climate-proofed Pfumvudza/Intwasa scheme, which aims to boost output in the sector.
"We will roll out the summer cropping season inputs distribution on time this year. The GMB has introduced a system where inputs are distributed directly from the supplier to the distribution point. This strategy will ensure timely distribution and reduce transport costs," Dr. Badarai added.
In addition, Dr Badarai said, to prevent abuse of inputs, the Government is maintaining a system introduced last season to monitor distribution through a secure digital platform, supported by distribution committees.
"We work closely with distribution committees comprising of Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the District Development Coordinator (DDC), and the traditional leadership to oversee the distribution process and ensure that inputs are given to the rightful beneficiaries and not diverted for personal use," Dr. Badarai explained.
The GMB recently cleared the outstanding payment of US$3.29 million owed to farmers who delivered wheat, maize, and other grains during the past winter and summer seasons.
