Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
THE Grain Marketing Board has intensified efforts to improve market access for farmers through an expanded network of mobile collection points and innovative exchange programmes aimed at supporting the value chain.
To improve grain quality and reduce post-harvest losses, GMB has deployed 18 mobile dryers and two state-of-the-art drying facilities stationed at Mutare Silo Depot and Kwekwe.
GMB chief executive Dr Edson Badarai said they have established 1 804 buying and collection points across the country in addition to its 89 depots.
Dr Badarai said the mobile collection points were playing a critical role in supporting smallholder farmers who often fail to access formal markets because of low grain volumes and transport challenges.
“In terms of the support that we are giving to farmers for them to access the markets, besides our 89 depots, we have opened 1 804 buying points or collection points in every ward across the country,” said Dr Badarai.
“There are farmers with small quantities such as five tonnes, seven tonnes or 10 tonnes, which may not be enough to attract buyers who prefer full truckloads. GMB comes in to aggregate that grain at these collection points and connect farmers with processors and the formal market.”
He said the initiative was protecting farmers from exploitation by unscrupulous middlemen who often take advantage of transport constraints to buy grain at low prices.
“By opening these collection points, we are ensuring that farmers do not get shortchanged either by transporters or middlemen who want to buy grain at very low prices. We want every farmer, regardless of location or production size, to have access to fair and competitive markets,” he said.
Dr Badarai said the collection centres had evolved into integrated agricultural service hubs where farmers can also exchange grain for farming inputs in preparation for the next season.
“At these same points, farmers can actually bring in their grain in exchange for inputs for the next season, including fertilisers and seed. We are working with various companies and we have already stocked inputs which farmers can access through grain exchange arrangements,” he said.
