$805m for GMB silos refurb

Theseus Shambare

TREASURY has committed $805 million for refurbishment of the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos countrywide.

The parastatal is ready to receive deliveries from farmers as harvesting of the 2022/2023 summer crops is now in full swing.

According to the final Crops and Livestock Assessment report released recently, Zimbabwe is expecting 2,5 million tonnes of cereals.

Zimbabwe has 12 silo plant sites that have a total holding and handling capacity of 2 026 567 tonnes.

GMB chief executive officer Mr Clemence Guta said work on the necessary repairs of existing silos is underway to ensure the existing storage capacity is capable of holding expected yields.

“With the $805 million allocation from Treasury, we have started repairing silos at different depots, having started with the Chegutu site, which was gutted by fire last year, and waterproofing at the rest of the silos is underway,” he said.

“Our silos, as it stands, hold 736 500 tonnes, hardstands (1 225 881t), sheds (138 016t) and open storage (634 786t, which can be expanded depending on the seasonal deliveries by farmers). Storage resources such as empty bags, tarpaulins, gum poles, rail sleepers, plastic sheets and fumigants, among others, are currently being procured in preparation for the intake season. GMB is an expert in grain handling, and the grain will be safe.”

The ongoing repairs will be completed in May.

GMB, Mr Guta said, is opening collection points countrywide and adopting information and communications technology (ICT) to ensure smooth flow of deliveries and payments to farmers.

“Unlike previous years, our collection points are now equipped with online gadgets that are connected to our subsystem.

“Use of these gadgets, which are linked with our head office, will ensure that farmers’ information is instantly synced and help in facilitation of payments, which are expected within 72 hours upon delivery,” he said.

This year, farmers will be paid for their produce with an improved foreign currency component of 60 percent, while the balance will be paid in local currency using the prevailing interbank rate.

Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services chief director Professor Obert Jiri revealed that 60 percent of farmers had completed harvesting maize.

“Farmers should watch out for pre- and post-harvest losses. These may emanate from harvesting wrongly, through use of incorrect implements or wrong timing.

“Farmers must also use proper storage methods and facilities.

“Post-harvest grain protectants should also be used to protect grain against pests such as weevils to preserve quality and avoid loss on farms,” said Prof Jiri.

He said farmers must know the benefits of delivering to the national granary.

“These include stakeholder engagement programmes, participation at agricultural shows and trade showcases and field days,” he said.

GMB’s floor producer price has been set at US$335 per tonne for maize, with US$200 paid in foreign currency while US$135 will be in the local currency.