adminTHE Grain Marketing Board owes wheat and maize farmers at least US$3,2 million after paying part of the debt owed to them. Government recently released at least US$9 million to offset part of the debt owed by the GMB to farmers. GMB general manager Mr Albert Mandizha told New Ziana that before partly retiring the debt, the parastatal owed farmers US$11,7 million.
“Government has availed US$9,2 million towards clearing farmers’ debts. We have paid farmers and we are now owing them a total of US$3,7 million both wheat and maize,” he said.
Mr Mandizha said of the outstanding balance, US$2,5 million was owed to maize farmers whilst US$1,2 million was owed to wheat farmers.
He, however, lauded the new Zanu-PF Government for promoting agriculture.
“I am quite impressed and pleased for the farmers that have been paid it will enable them to prepare for the next season. This is quite commendable.”
GMB’s grain procurement scheme is wholly funded by Government to boost the Strategic Grain Reserve. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter