Zimbabwe Farmers to Stop Selling Maize to GMB
Gibbs Dube
11.02.2013
WASHINGTON DC — Some communal farmers, who have not yet been paid by the
Grain Marketing Board (GMB) for maize delivered last agricultural season,
say they will not sell any grain to the GMB this year unless the state-owned
entity settles all outstanding payments.
Disgruntled farmers in Mashonaland West, Midlands and Masvingo provinces
told VOA Studio 7 that they are owed between $13,000 and $18,000 each for
maize and small grain delivered between May and July last year.
Councillor Maqhawe Moyo of Silobela said the unpaid communal farmers in his
area have asked local authorities to take up the matter with Finance
Minister Tendai Biti.
Moyo said at least 20 farmers in Silobela have failed to get their dues from
the GMB.
“We hope to hold a meeting with the finance minister as soon as possible
because chances are high that most farmers won’t deliver maize to the GMB
this year,” he said.
Mike Shumba of Gutu, Masvingo Province, said they will this year sell maize
to private buyers as the GMB has failed to honour its financial obligations.
Patrick Dube, a member of the paliamentary agriculture committee, said the
GMB officials lied that they have settled all outstanding payments when they
appeared before the committee last year following complaints by farmers that
they had not been paid for grain deliveries.