Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
AT least ZiG280 million and US$32.5 million have so far been disbursed to farmers for wheat deliveries by the Grain Marketing Board.
The payments follow the latest Treasury release of ZiG30 million and US$2,5 million, adding to earlier disbursements of US$5 million and ZiG60 million made over the past two weeks to clear outstanding balances.
The steady flow of funding comes as Zimbabwe enters a key phase of the agricultural calendar, with summer cropping harvesting already underway after a strong recovery of crops from a mid-season dry spell.
Authorities say the country is on course to achieve a 3,2 million tonne cereal harvest, with up to 90 to 95 percent of the crops having recovered following the return of rains.
The improved outlook is expected to result in increased grain deliveries to GMB, making timely payments crucial in sustaining farmer participation in formal markets.
In previous seasons, delayed payments have strained farmers’ operations, limiting their ability to reinvest in inputs, pay labour and prepare for subsequent cropping cycles.
However, the recent disbursements are expected to improve liquidity and restore confidence within the sector.
Zimbabwe National Farmers Union president Mrs Monica Chinamasa said the payments had come at the right time as farmers begin harvesting.
“Timely payments are critical for farmers to sustain production. With harvesting already underway, this support allows farmers to meet immediate financial obligations and prepare for the next season,” she said.
Mrs Chinamasa said the improved crop outlook gives farmers confidence that the season will deliver meaningful yields.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said consistency in payments would be key in maintaining momentum in the sector.
“Farmers need predictable and reliable payment systems. This is what builds trust and encourages more deliveries to formal markets like GMB,” he said.
“We also need to ensure that payments are sustained throughout the marketing season.”
GMB said the funding reflected Government’s continued commitment to agriculture as a key pillar of economic growth and national food security.
“This vital funding brings much-needed relief to farmers and underscores Government’s steadfast commitment to agriculture,” the GMB said in a statement yesterday.
“GMB remains dedicated to partnering with farmers to achieve national grain self-sufficiency,” said the statement.
