Farming Reporter
THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) will close all its grain collection points to farmers at the end of the month.
As part of improving the buying and collection of grain from farmers GMB had set various collection points in farming areas to ensure that farmers do no incur transport costs. At the collection points, GMB was also helping farmers in testing moisture content, a critical measurement since too high a moisture content can see maize in storage rot.
In a statement, GMB chief executive Mr Rockie Mutenha said, however, GMB will continue to receive grain from farmers at the company’s depots.
“GMB wishes to inform its valued farmers that all Collection Points shall be closed by 30 September. Farmers with maize, traditional grains or any other grain are encouraged to take advantage of the remaining period to deliver their grains to the nearest collection points. The GMB, however, wishes to reiterate that its depots will remain open to receive grain beyond 30 September,” he said.
Mr Mutenha urged farmers to continue delivering to their nearest depots countrywide to avoid post-harvest losses and also contribute to national food security. The closure of collection points comes at a time when the country is now focussing on preparations for this year’s summer season.
The Government has already given provinces production targets under the Ugantshompo/Pfumvudza zero tillage programme with 500 000 farmers having already prepared their land.