admin
Edgar Vhera Agriculture Specialist Writer
THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has fully paid $37 835 876 816 that was owed to farmers for the wheat they delivered since start of the marketing season in October last year.
In a statement GMB Chief Executive Officer Mr Rockie Mutenha said the institution had taken delivery of wheat valued at US$31 053 740 plus $37 835 876 816.
Mr Mutenha disclosed that GMB had fully paid the entire local currency component of $37 835 876 816 and had only paid the foreign currency component in part.
“Should there be any farmers who may not have received the local currency part, they should approach the nearest GMB depot for assistance,” he said.
The statement revealed that GMB would commence paying the United States dollar component on a weekly basis as and when funds are available.
“Efforts to clear the foreign currency part are currently underway and to date Treasury has released US$10 million towards paying for the wheat,” said Mr Mutenha.
“We want to advise our valued customers/farmers that the Systems Applications and Products (SAP) system we are using is programmed to follow the date order, which means payment is strictly on ‘First Come; First Served’ basis,” added the GMB boss.
Mr Mutenha further disclosed that as of February 8, GMB had paid for deliveries done on or before October 19 and efforts were being made to ensure that all farmers were paid soon.
The country produced a bumper wheat harvest for the 2022 wheat marketing season of over 375 000 tonnes ensuring that the country achieved wheat self-sufficiency. The focus of the country is to increase production to export in the near future.
Meanwhile, the GMB has also advised farmers that inputs distribution under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme was continuing but only for top-dressing fertilisers, chemicals and for those who were still planting traditional grains, sunflower and edible beans.
Online Reporter