Rudo Mandiro

FARMERS have pocketed more than $10 billion for grain deliveries in the first three months of this year’s grain marketing season.

The Grain Marketing Board had received over 400 000 tonnes of cereals by Tuesday, nearly five times the amount of grain that had been delivered to its depots around the same time last year.

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.

So far, farmers have delivered 371 600 tonnes of maize, 36 460 tonnes of traditional grains and 10 610 tonnes of soyabean.

“Around 80 percent of the delivered crop has been paid for,” said Mr Mutenha.

He added: “A total of 419 286 tonnes of grain had been received as at 06 July 2021 compared to 85 311 tonnes which was received during the same period last year.

“In addition, 36 460 tonnes of traditional grains have been delivered compared to 2 747 tonnes during the same period last year.

“Also 10 610 tonnes of soyabean have been received compared to 1 076 last year. The Grain Marketing Board is targeting to procure 1,8 million tonnes of maize and 200 000 tonnes of traditional grains this season.”

The Government has set aside $60 billion for the procurement of grain during the 2021 marketing season, which started on April 1.

Authorities have designated the GMB as the sole buyer of grain this season.

Delight

An efficient payment system introduced this year has ensured that farmers receive their payments soon after delivering their grain.

In previous seasons farmers had to wait for months before receiving payment for their grain.

GMB is effecting payments to farmers within 72 hours of delivery to its 84 depots countrywide.

Those who deliver their grain to mobile collection points are being paid within
five days. Farmers have applauded applauded authorities for ensuring a well-planned cropping and marketing season.

Farmers from Mashonaland Central Province who spoke to The Sunday Mail last week praised the Government for a well-co-ordinated marketing season.

Mr Farai Mandioma, a commercial farmer from Glendale who has delivered 12 tonnes of maize to the grain utility, said he was happy with the smooth flow of operations at the local GMB depot.

He has received up to $384 000 from the GMB.

“The payments have been coming in smoothly,” Mr Mandioma said.

“As a commercial farmer in Glendale, I’m very grateful for the work the Government has put in.

“We managed to receive inputs and combine harvesters on time and this helped us very much during the cropping season.

“The rains also made it convenient for us and this helped us increase our output”.

Mrs Ruth Kanengoni, who leases a farm in Mazowe, was happy with the service at GMB.

She said she had delivered 16 tonnes of grain so far.

“This year we benefited a lot from the Pfumvudza programme and all farmers managed to improve their output.

“We hope that this will continue next season.”

Concern

Farmers were, however, concerned about the amount of grain being turned down by the GMB on account of having high moisture content.

They pleaded with authorities to avail more grain driers at GMB depots.

Mr Hactor Mambo, a commercial farmer in Mazowe, said: “This year we had good rains and as commercial farmers we managed to get at least 10 tonnes per hectare.

“However, we are having a challenge when our maize is rejected due to its high moisture content.

“We appeal to the Government to address this issue through providing dryers.”

In response, Mr Mutenha said farmers should take samples of their grain to the nearest GMB depot or collection point for moisture testing before delivery.

“Their grain samples are tested and farmers will be advised whether their grain has the right moisture content for delivery or further drying is required.

“GMB supply chain managers also visit farmers within their catchment areas and during those visits they also do tests for grain moisture content.

“The service for moisture tests is offered at no charge and is done to assist farmers to deliver grain with the right moisture content.”