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“Government will subsequently continue making cash available to GMB. Farmers who delivered grain that is worth US$39 million will be able to access inputs while some have the option to a swap since the farming season is underway,” he said.
Minister Made said GMB’s payment delays had paralysed farmers.
“Farmers are contributing to the national strategic grain reserve and were fully aware that Government would buy grain up to a certain level. Farmers are doing their best and preparing for the season and we must spare them the burden of mobilising inputs,” he said.
Government has on several occasions pledged to fund agriculture, but failed to deliver.
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In other cases, Government would slash the promised amounts.
“I have been disappointed myself as Minister of Agriculture. We have made an agreement with Minister Biti and he has agreed to release the funds and I hope this will give confidence to farmers,” he said.
If Minister Biti fails to release the funds as agreed, Minister Made said he would advocate the reintroduction of controls for maize and wheat.
“I can use a Government instrument to introduce controls on maize and wheat to effect stop order systems and that way we will be able to commandeer inputs. Minister Biti has said he has no money and we will assist him in that way.
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“Minister Biti is fully aware of the position. We should not keep farmers and industry guessing on what will be taking place. The seed and fertiliser industry have performed well and now stocks are piling up. This is not good,” he said.
Minister Biti could not be reached for comment yesterday.
“I called him (Minister Biti) and he said there is no need for him to comment. He said you could use what Minister Made has said,” his personal assistant said.
Online Reporter