Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
Farmers have welcomed the new maize producer price announced by the Government for the 2020-21 marketing season and urged authorities to constantly review the price so that it is not eroded by inflation.

The farmers urged authorities to look into the issue of sky-rocketing input prices because they affect the viability of agriculture.

Government last week reviewed the floor prices for maize, traditional grains and soyabeans for the 2020-21 marketing season.

The grain marketing season starts on April 1 every year.

Few farmers have started delivering their grain to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as most are still harvesting.

The late onset of the rainfall season affected planting of the crop, while some farmers had to replant after their early crop was affected by recurrent dry spells.

The price of maize has been pegged at $12 329,72 per tonne, traditional grains $12 865,79 and soyabeans at $17 211,74 per tonne.

Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director, Mr Paul Zakariya, on Tuesday said farmers were happy with the new producer price announcements, as the prices compared favourably with cereal markets elsewhere in the region and beyond.

“The producer price adjustments are a welcome move to the farming community,” he said.

“What will be important, however, is to make these adjustments more frequently in line with the rate of inflation, as well as the trends on the international markets.

“That will preserve value to the producer and encourage higher production and productivity. The other thing is to do with the actual payments to farmers. Prompt payments will ensure that farmers cash flows are not negatively affected. In that regard, GMB should improve on its turnaround periods in respect of the time value of money.”

Zimbabwe National Farmers Union vice president, Mr Edward Dune, yesterday said the new grain prices were viable.

“The new maize producer price translates to about US$320 per tonne, which is viable,” he said.

“We are afraid that in the next few weeks because of the increase of the foreign currency exchange rate, the price could have been eroded.

“Inputs such as electricity, fertilisers and fuel are expensive so producer prices should take into account the charges of the key enablers. We hope Government will continue to review the price to allow farmers to break even and remain with a profit.”

Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president, Mrs Depinah Nkomo expressed gratitude to Government for adjusting the grain prices.

She said the new prices would encourage farmers to sell the maize and small grains to the GMB.

“The producer prices are reasonable especially if input prices are controlled,” said Mrs Nkomo.

“High production costs have always been our worry as farmers. The prices of fertiliser have continued to rise and this should be taken into account when reviewing producer prices.”

Grain Marketing Board chief executive, Mr Rockie Mutenha, assured farmers of early payments.

He urged farmers to ensure the crop had the correct moisture content before delivery.

GMB accepts grain with a moisture content of 12,5 percent.

“We have started receiving maize, although it is still in small quantities, as farmers have just started harvesting while the grain still has a high moisture content,” said Mr Mutenha.

“This season we are going to increase collection points to reduce distances travelled by farmers to deliver their grain and also to observe the recommended social distancing against Covid-19.

“We will pay within 48 hours so that farmers can retain the value for money. We encourage farmers to ensure bank accounts are activated and current. Those without bank accounts should open one.”