Online Reporter
Patience Maturure-Agriculture Correspondent
BENEFICIARIES of the 2023-4 Presidential Inputs Scheme are required to deliver 10 kilogrammes of grain to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to create local strategic grain reserves.
Pfumvudza farmers have also been urged to deliver surplus to GMB depots.
In a statement, GMB chief executive Dr Edson Badarai said the board was also offering a grain swap facility, allowing farmers to exchange traditional grains for maize or vice versa.
He said the parastatal had also established 1 804 mobile grain collection centres to facilitate grain delivery from farmers.
“The mobile grain collection centres located at ward centres being used for the Presidential Inputs Scheme and Social Welfare collections, will enable farmers to deliver their grain to the GMB. Farmers can sell their surplus grain to the GMB at these centres and also swap traditional grains for maize or vice versa,” he said.
Dr Badarai said by collecting grain from farmers and maintaining a strategic reserve, the GMB could help stabilise food prices and ensure availability during times of scarcity.
“The Presidential Inputs Scheme during the 2023–2024 farming season was an initiative aimed at promoting grain security, support farmers and enhance the country’s food resilience.
“Farmers are encouraged to take advantage of these collection points and facilities to benefit from the programme and contribute to the country’s food security efforts,” he said.
Dr Badarai said GMB was working on finalising arrangements for input deliveries for farmers who make pre-purchases or want to use sales proceeds or warehouse receipts to buy seeds, fertilisers and chemicals.
“Local logistics and delivery schedules will be handled by the GMB, AGRITEX and local leadership. As the buyer of last resort, the GMB appreciates farmers’ dedication to achieving food self-sufficiency in the country,” he said.
