The Sunday News
FARMERS in Hwange pledged to continue supporting the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) by delivering their grain to the board despite the company’s failure to pay them their dues on time.
In an interview with Sunday Business last Thursday, farmers said preparations for the coming season were well on course as most hectares of land had already been cultivated and farmers were optimistic that they would also experience good rains.
The farmers said their continued support of GMB comes from an understanding of the prevailing economic hardships that the country is experiencing.
“Most people have been delivering their grain to GMB but the problem has been to get the money. We will not back down because we understand that the economic conditions are harsh,” said Mr Lucky Ncube a farmer from Sikabelo in Hwange.
Mr Ncube said he would continue selling part of his grain to GMB because even though they get their payments late, the money helps them during times of need.
Woodlands area headman Mr Linnet Nyathi said he had been delivering grain to GMB and getting his money late but that could not deter him from “serving the nation.”
“I am a well known farmer in this area and at the moment I am expecting close to $7 800 from my 20 tonnes which I sent to GMB. The money is coming because GMB usually pays us late. I am serving the nation hence late payment cannot stop me from sending my grain because I am confident that I am going to get my money,” said headman Nyathi.
The price per tonne is pegged at $390 inclusive of small grains such as sorghum, millet and rapoko.
In presenting the 2015 budget, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the Government would continue to release funds for paying farmers for their grain.
“In terms of the grain procurement, deliveries to the GMB for the current marketing season now stand at 239 042 tons valued at $93,2 million, well within our projected target of 250 000 metric tons for the season,” said Minister Chinamasa.
“The overall support under the strategic grain reserve now stands at $81,9 million, with a sum of $51,5 million having now been mobilised from the market through issuance of agricultural marketing authority bills.
Of this amount, as at 13 November 2014 $57,6 million has been paid to farmers for grain deliveries, $22 million for handling and storage charges while $2 million was for payment for grain importation charges from last year,” said Minister Chinamasa.
