Sundaymail Editor
Leroy Dzenga
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has deployed inspectors at police roadblocks countrywide to curb the illegal movement of grain after Government declared maize and other grain products controlled products.
In statement, GMB chief executive officer Mr Rockie Mutenha said side marketing of maize and other grain products to unregistered contractors was illegal.
“The Grain Marketing Board advises farmers that selling of maize and soyabean is restricted to GMB and registered contractors. Any engagements with other players is prohibited.
“The Government of Zimbabwe promulgated Statutory Instrument 145 of 2019 for the control of sale of maize and Statutory Instrument 97 for the sale of soyabean. These two SIs declared maize and soya as controlled products,” said Mutenha.
“An individual is only allowed to ferry five bags of maize and three bags of soyabean for personal use.
“For larger quantities, individuals or corporates will be required to have a valid movement permit issued by the GMB.”
The grain marketing season opened on April 1 at nearly 1 400 buying points that have been set up countrywide.
An additional 400 are being established as the season progresses.
All 84 GMB depots have begun operating daily, including on weekends, to facilitate uninterrupted grain deliveries.
The grain utility is paying $32 000 for a tonne of maize, $48 000 for a tonne of soyabean and $38 000 for traditional grains.
Government has set aside $60 billion to ensure timely payment of farmers, with the GMB undertaking to effect payments to farmers within 72 hours of delivery.
Online Reporter