GMB appeals for funds

This follows the continued decline in grain deliveries to GMB depots due to poor payment systems and the drought.
Many farmers have resorted to selling their maize and wheat to private buyers who pay cash. Mr Chikaura said projected deliveries of 100 000 tonnes to GMB depots will only be achieved if farmers are paid on time.

“We urge relevant authorities to release the Strategic Grain Reserve resources on time to alleviate hunger, encourage grain deliveries and give farmers confidence to continue producing the staple crop,” he said.

“It is our hope that timeous disbursements of funds from Treasury will encourage farmers to deliver more grain,” he said.
GMB recorded low maize deliveries during the 2012/13 marketing season compared to the past two seasons.

The 2010/11 marketing season saw farmers delivering 249 792 tonnes of maize while 212 622 tonnes were delivered during the 2011/12 season.
During the 2012/13 marketing season, GMB received 81 190 tonnes of maize from farmers.

“GMB has already submitted a budget of US$80 million to Government for the 2013/14 marketing season.
“The budget covers maize intake purchases and grain storage resources that include tarpaulins and gum poles to ensure that outdoor storage meets optimum storage requirements,” he said.

Available data is pointing towards a reduced maize hectarage and reduced production this season compared to the previous seasons. Mr Chikaura attributed the decline in production to inadequate top dressing fertiliser and drought experienced from December 2012 to February 2013.

“These are indicators that expected yields will be lower and the food deficit situation will not be better.
“GMB on behalf of Government is expected to import maize to mitigate against food shortages,” he said.

GMB used to be the sole buyer of maize and wheat but since the market was liberalised in 2009 many farmers have sold their grain to private buyers who may offer less but pay in cash.

The parastatal has been on record for paying farmers late and this has been blamed on Treasury that takes long to release funds.
There are fears that if Treasury continues to release funds to GMB late, farmers will stop selling grain to the parastatal and this will compromise the Strategic Grain Reserve.