Govt to make US$14m outstanding wheat payments

Herald Reporter

The US$14 million still owed to wheat farmers that delivered their crop from last season to the Grain marketing Board (GMB) will be paid within three weeks, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries,Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera has said.

The GMB efforts are centred on ensuring that all the remaining balances are paid up as farmers get ready to buy inputs and plant this winter’s wheat crop. Last winter season Zimbabwe realised a record wheat crop and attained self-sufficiency for the first time since the crop began being commercially grown in the country in 1966.

Speaking during a field day held at Chitsike homestead in Chiendambuya in Makoni district, Dr Basera said outstanding balances will be paid in three weeks time. All the foreign currency arrears will be paid cleared.

Farmers did well in wheat production, he said, and private sector participation played a big role in wheat production.

Dr Basera said farmers should get their inputs early for the next season so that they plan effectively.

“We want to ensure that all wheat farmers are paid the remaining US$14 million. Last year we attained a record wheat harvest so this season we are also expecting another good harvest. Farmers should get inputs early so that they plant on time,” he said.

Agriculture grew by 36 percent in 2021 from an US$5,8billion agricultural economy to about $8,1 billion economy in the year 2021/2022. Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo said it was crucial for farmers to get their payments early so that they could plan for the next season.

“It is crucial for farmers to get their payments early so that they plan their productions. Farmers should do farming as a business. If you sell there is need to get money on time,” she said.

For premium grade wheat GMB was paying $268 048 a tonne plus US$220 per tonne while standard grade receives $243 680 plus US$200 per tonne.