Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has received ZiG60 million and US$5 million from Treasury to facilitate payment to farmers amid long-standing concerns over delays.
GMB said the funds were part of ongoing efforts to ensure timely payment to farmers and maintain confidence in the country’s grain marketing system.
“This brings total cumulative payment for wheat deliveries to ZiG250 million and US$30 million,” GMB said in a statement.
The board said the funding would bring relief to farmers and sustain grain production, particularly at a time when timely payment is critical to reinvestment into farming operations.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of persistent farmer grievances over late payment, which has undermined confidence in the State grain buyer and at times threatened national food security.
In November, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands and Agriculture revealed that farmers were owed over US$20 million and ZiG259,4 million for maize, wheat and cotton deliveries.
The committee said the backlog eroded farmer confidence and posed “a serious threat to the next planting season”.
Agricultural experts have previously cautioned that delayed payment compromises farmers’ ability to repay loans and access credit.
In response to the crisis, the government has pledged that starting this season, GMB will pay for grain and oilseed deliveries within 30 days.
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Willard Manungo, recently confirmed that arrears are being cleared.
GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai reaffirmed the board’s commitment to supporting farmers and improving service delivery across all grain depots.
“We remain dedicated to partnering farmers to achieve national grain self-sufficiency,” he said.
GMB acknowledged the role played by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development minister Anxious Masuka in securing Treasury support.
Authorities said the latest payment was expected to boost farmer confidence, particularly among wheat producers and encourage increased production in future seasons.
The government has emphasised the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, food security and rural livelihoods.
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