Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
GOVERNMENT has urged farmers to be cautious of unscrupulous grain buyers offering below-market prices for their produce, as it moves to strengthen deliveries to the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) ahead of the next agricultural season.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said farmers should use the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) price as a benchmark when negotiating with private buyers to avoid being exploited.
He said while farmers were free to explore different markets, they should ensure that deals entered into were competitive and enabled them to sustain production in subsequent seasons.
“We are also encouraging farmers as they are harvesting now—we know a lot of farmers have harvested, they are busy cleaning up their grain—we encourage them to really scout the markets,” Prof Jiri said.
“We know that there are unscrupulous buyers who go to the farmers, offer them poultry prices. We want farmers to know that there is a price at GMB, and that should always be the comparison.”
His remarks come as Government intensifies efforts to rebuild grain reserves amid expectations of increased production following favourable weather conditions and improved agricultural support systems.
Prof Jiri said GMB remained the buyer of last resort while continuing to offer competitive prices based on production costs, including the Government’s cost-plus-15 percent pricing model.
“GMB is the buyer of last resort, but being a buyer of last resort does not mean it does not offer competitive prices. GMB pays well because the pricing model is based on the cost of production plus the 15 percent margin that Government encourages,” he said.
The GMB has also assured farmers of improved payment timelines, with the parastatal indicating that outstanding grain payment obligations had been cleared.
GMB chief executive officer Mr Edson Badarai said the organisation had settled outstanding balances amounting to US$5.2 million and ZiG62 million owed to farmers.
He said farmers delivering grain to GMB would receive payment within five days, with the institution having already processed significant payments during the current marketing season.
“We have been able, with the support from our Minister, Honourable Masuka and Treasury, to pay 230 million ZiG and US$20 million for the current season,” Mr Badarai said.
“We encourage our farmers that they should continue to deliver to GMB with the best price ever at US$364.75. No one can match it in the market and we are paying within five days.”
Government is encouraging farmers with free grain, as well as those under contract farming arrangements, to honour their commitments and contribute towards rebuilding strategic reserves.
Prof Jiri said increased deliveries were critical as Zimbabwe prepares for possible dry conditions in the coming season.
“Those with their contracts should honour their contracts, but those that have free grain, we encourage them also to deliver to GMB, particularly as we look forward to a drier season and we need this grain for the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the SGR 200-Hectare-Plus Club said its members are contributing towards national food security by producing grain destined for the GMB and the Strategic Grain Reserve.
The club’s vice chairperson Mr Simba Mugariri said the organisation was established to promote large-scale grain production while creating a platform for mentorship and knowledge transfer among farmers.
He said members were not only focused on increasing production but also ensuring that Zimbabwe develops a new generation of commercial farmers capable of sustaining food security.
“We are not only about producing grain; we are also about creating a platform where farmers can learn from each other, share experiences and build sustainable farming businesses,” Mr Mugariri said.
“Through mentorship, we want to see more farmers growing into commercial producers who can contribute meaningfully to national food security.”
Mr Mugariri said SGR 200-Hectare-Plus Club members were producing grain for delivery to GMB, which plays a key role in maintaining the country’s strategic reserves.
“Our members are producing for GMB and the Strategic Grain Reserve because we understand that our role goes beyond individual farming businesses. We have a responsibility to contribute towards ensuring that the country remains food secure,” he said.
He said the club was also promoting joint ventures where landowners partnered with investors who brought capital, technical expertise and modern farming practices.
“The story we are seeing here demonstrates that when land, capital, knowledge and commitment come together, we can transform agriculture and increase production,” he said.
The drive comes as Government continues implementing measures to improve food security, including expanding irrigation, supporting mechanisation and promoting partnerships aimed at increasing agricultural productivity.
