The Treasury has released an additional US$10 million to the Grain Marketing Board to clear outstanding payments owed to farmers for grain delivered this season, GMB chief executive officer Dr. Edson Badarai has revealed.
The latest disbursement follows a previous US$5 million released about two weeks ago, bringing total payments to US$15 million. Dr. Badarai said this cumulative amount now covers about 80 percent of the total funds required for summer grain deliveries in foreign currency.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 22nd ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference in Mutare, Dr. Badarai said the release of funds comes at a critical time, as farmers intensify preparations for the upcoming summer cropping season.
“These payments are critical during this period when farmers are busy preparing for the current season,” he said. “We appreciate the patience and commitment of farmers who continue to contribute to national food security and to the strengthening of our strategic grain reserves.”
Related Stories
He explained that GMB caters to two categories of farmers — those under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, who are contracted to deliver their surplus produce to the board, and other independent farmers for whom GMB acts as the buyer of last resort.
While government policy encourages millers and private buyers to purchase directly from farmers, the GMB remains ready to buy any grain offered at the set producer price to ensure all farmers have a guaranteed market.
Dr. Badarai also commended Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka for working closely with Treasury to secure the funds.
“The Minister’s proactive engagement has been instrumental in ensuring that these payments are made on time,” he said.
The GMB payments are expected to ease financial pressure on farmers and enable them to procure inputs for the new cropping season, reinforcing efforts toward national food self-sufficiency.
Leave Comments