GMB ordered to prevent side marketing of grain

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has directed the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to operationalise Statutory Instrument 149/19 to prevent side marketing of grain following low deliveries since the start of the marketing season on April 1.

The development comes on the backdrop of just 5 000 tonnes being delivered to the national silos against 30 000 that has been harvested by farmers, which represents just 20 percent.

In a memorandum to GMB chief executive officer Mr Rockie Mudenha dated May 24, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr John Basera said the Government was concerned with the low deliveries at a time the country was targeting 1,8 million tonnes during the current marketing season.

“You are therefore, required to operationalise the provisions of SI 149/19 in order to prevent and avert the side marketing of grain with immediate effect.

“This includes but is not limited to conducting grain busting operations at various non-GMB depots, as well as the setting up of permit inspections at various points such as roadblocks. You are also encouraged to ride on our partnerships with members of the Joint Operation Command in the execution of this important task,” wrote Dr Basera.

Meanwhile, the GMB has advised farmers and producers of controlled grains to deliver their products to their nearest GMB depots in line with the provisions of the law while those who want to retain a portion of the product must apply for an exemption.

In a media release, Mr Mutenha said in terms of the law, no one was allowed to sell or buy maize and any controlled product other than through GMB except for bona fide contractors that are registered with the Agricultural Marketing Authority of Zimbabwe (AMA).

“The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) wishes to advise all farmers that maize, soya beans, wheat and barley are controlled products in terms of the following Statutory Instruments; Statutory Instrument 145 – Grain Marketing (Control of Sale of Maize) Regulations, 2019. Statutory Instrument 97 – Grain Marketing (Control of Sale of Soya Beans) Regulations, 2021 and Statutory Instrument 188 – Grain Marketing (Control of Wheat and Barley (Regulations, 2021,” wrote Mr Mutenha.

He said all farmers, producers, and contractors are required to apply for a movement permit where grains are being moved from one area to the other.

“Trading in controlled products (buying and selling) without the authority of the GMB is an offence. All storers, millers, stock feeders and any other users of controlled products are required to register with the GMB before engaging in such business. Grain Marketing Board shall be enforcing the above Statutory Instruments to ensure compliance. Those found in breach of the regulations risk prosecution, forfeiture of the grains and a fine three times the selling price of the controlled product,” said Mr Mutenha.