Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa and Sharon Jiyamwa
GOVERNMENT has released ZiG200 million to the Grain Marketing Board to clear outstanding debts and ensure timely payments to farmers for current grain deliveries.
The payments, coupled with the recently received US$8 million inflows, are expected to strengthen farmer confidence and sustain national food security.
Speaking at a press briefing in Harare yesterday, GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting farmers while safeguarding livelihoods.
He said the ZiG200 million will be split between old debts and current deliveries, ensuring farmers are compensated fairly.
“Of this, ZiG65 million is going towards clearing old debt.
“The ZiG135 million is for current deliveries, demonstrating our commitment to timely payments,” he said.
Dr Badarai said farmers are also receiving US dollar payments, reinforcing financial stability and confidence in the system.
“This brings total payments for this season to US$20 million for our farmers.” He said GMB is grateful for strong farmer participation and expects grain intake to exceed 100 000 metric tonnes soon.
“The deliveries are good, and we currently have an intake of 85 000 metric tonnes. We believe that within two weeks we will have surpassed 100 000 metric tonnes,” he said.
Dr Badarai urged farmers to use GMB’s collection points and depots to save on transport costs and avoid exploitation.
“We encourage our farmers to utilise our 1 804 collection points to save on transport costs. They should not be duped by those who want to pay them less than what they deserve,” he said.
GMB’s timely payments and logistical support highlight how Government intervention is directly benefiting farmers’ livelihoods.
