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Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has so far received 239,042 tonnes of grain valued at $93,2 million this marketing season, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Presenting the 2015 national budget last week, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the grain procured so far was within the projected season’s target of 250,000 tonnes.
“In terms of grain procurement, deliveries to the GMB for the current marketing season now stand at 239,042 tonnes valued at $93,2 million, well within our projected target of 250,000 tonnes for the season,” said Chinamasa.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union president Wonder Chabikwa said farmers were capable of meeting the set target before the end of the year.
“Famers can deliver maize up to 250,000 tonnes. The government has to ensure that farmers are paid for their deliveries so as to encourage them to deliver more maize,” he said.
Chabikwa said farmers were optimistic of next season’s outcome.
“Farmers are prepared for the farming season. However, next season’s outcome depends on good rainfall. We’re optimistic of a good season,” he said.
The Finance Minister said the 2014/15 agriculture season was expected to maintain the upward trend in terms of yield.
“Prospects for the 2014/15 agriculture season remain positive and production in the main crops — maize, tobacco, cotton, among others — is expected to remain on an upward trend. Overall agricultural growth for 2015 is projected at 3,4 percent.
“This is on the backdrop of the government’s continued commitment to prioritise food security, active private sector participation in financing agriculture and improvements in farming methods,” he said.
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derick.khumalo