The Sunday Mail
The Government has released at least US$2,1 million to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) for the payment of farmers who delivered grain to the parastatal over the last month.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Deputy Minister Dr Davis Marapira confirmed the development, adding that the money has already been released to the GMB and payments to farmers would start soon.
“So far, Treasury has paid $2,1 million for the maize delivered between April 30 and May 21 this year and payments will start as soon as possible,” said Dr Marapira.
He said the payments were meant to encourage farmers to deliver maize to the GMB.
The Government, however, still owes farmers about $1,7 million for maize delivered to the parastatal last season.
Dr Marapira said more money was needed to buy grain from farmers.
He said at least $100 million was required to buy about 250 000 metric tonnes, which is half of the strategic grain reserve.
GMB general manager Mr Albert Mandizha confirmed the release of the money, but could not divulge more details.
Farmers have so far delivered 10 000 mt to GMB valued at $3,9 million and no payments have been made.
Last year GMB received only 33 000mt of grain from farmers, a huge decline from the previous season deliveries of 81 000mt.
The reduction in delivery levels was a result of failure by GMB to pay farmers on time.
Dr Marapira said as a way to harness the harvested crop, Government will ensure farmers who deliver their grain to the GMB for the strategic grain reserve would be paid on time.
Last year, the country managed a maize harvest of about 800 000metric tonnes due to erratic rains and poor funding for agriculture.
The country requires at least 2,1 million metric tonnes for both human and livestock consumption.
