The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has received US$7.5 million and ZiG$100 million for wheat payments over the past week, according to the company’s CEO, Edson Badarai.
This latest cash infusion from the Treasury brings the total payments for wheat deliveries to US$18 million and ZiG$215 million. Added Badarai:
<blockquote>
The Board greatly appreciates all the efforts being put in place by Treasury to mobilise resources to clear outstanding farmer obligations.
As the country gears towards wheat- based food self-sufficiency the Board fully recognises the resilience and undoubted commitment and dedication of our farmers.
GMB continues to play a key role in the agricultural value chain and transformation agenda to ensure food security for the country.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) got US$7.5 million and ZiG$100 million to pay wheat farmers. The money is from the Treasury. So far, GMB has paid US$18 million and ZiG$215 million to wheat farmers. The CEO of GMB, Edson Badarai, said they are thankful for the money from the Treasury. They want to help farmers grow more wheat so Zimbabwe can have enough food. GMB plays an important role in making sure there is enough food in the country.

Treasury Injects US$7.5 Million And ZiG$100 Million Into GMB For Wheat Payments

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has announced pre-planting prices for the 2024/25 summer season.
Maize and traditional grains will be priced at US$335.14 per metric tonne, while soya beans will fetch US$619.31 per metric tonne, and sunflower US$712.20 per metric tonne.
This announcement, made by GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai, represents a decrease from the June 2024 prices of US$390 per tonne for maize and traditional grains, and US$713 per tonne for sunflower.
The soya bean price also shows a slight decrease from the previous US$620 per tonne.
GMB has a history of delayed payments to farmers, undermining their financial stability and hindering their ability to plan for future planting seasons.
This issue was starkly illustrated during the 2022/23 winter wheat season when millions of dollars in payments were outstanding, leading to a standoff between the GMB and affected farmers.
The delays were attributed to a vetting process designed to prevent side-marketing, but this measure caused considerable frustration and hardship among farmers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has set prices for crops in the 2024/25 summer season. Maize and traditional grains will sell for $335.14 per tonne, soya beans for $619.31 per tonne, and sunflower for $712.20 per tonne. These prices are lower than before. GMB has had problems paying farmers on time, causing issues for their finances. In the past, delays in payments led to conflicts with farmers. The delays were because of a process to stop illegal selling, but this caused more problems for farmers.

GMB Sets Pre-Planting Prices For 2024/25 Summer Season

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has announced that it will exclusively pay for all wheat deliveries from the 2024 winter wheat season in United States dollars.
On Friday, September 13, the GMB revealed the approved producer prices for winter wheat for this season.
The “standard” wheat grade will be priced at US$450 per metric tonne, while the “premium” grade will fetch US$470 per metric tonne, with all payments made solely in foreign currency.
Previously, the GMB paid farmers with a mix of local and foreign currency. However, due to the volatility of the local currency, farmers have been advocating for payments to be made entirely in USD. Said GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai:
<blockquote>
GMB will purchase all wheat financed under the Presidential Input Programme (PIP), and also wheat from Self-financed farmers, wherein Self-financed farmers will sale to the best advantage, either to GMB or the market. In addition, GMB remains the buyer of last resort.
Contractors will buy back contracted wheat at market prices. Furthermore, GMB, working with ZMX, shall provide commercial warehouse receipts services to all players.
GMB is committed to working with farmers and all stakeholders in contributing to the national food security.
For any clarification, the public can contact the GMB Corporate Communications Department through the telephone line +263 8677004941 or email at publicrelations@gmbdura.co.zw.
</blockquote>
While this announcement is likely to please wheat farmers, some commentators have queried why other farmers, such as those growing tobacco and maize, received partial payments in local currency.
Critics suggest that the governing elite, who are believed to be the majority of wheat farmers, are reluctant to accept payments in the Zimbabwean dollar (ZiG) due to its instability, therefore, the move by GMB to buy wheat solely in foreign currency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Grain Marketing Board will pay wheat farmers only in US dollars from 2024. Standard wheat will be $450 per ton, premium will be $470. GMB used to pay in local and foreign currency, but now farmers want only USD. GMB will buy wheat from all sources and provide warehouse services. Other farmers wonder why they don't get full USD payments. Critics say elite wheat farmers avoid Zimbabwean dollar. GMB wants to help national food security. Contact GMB for more info.

Wheat Farmers To Receive All Payments In Foreign Currency

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) said this week, a payment of US$3.29 million was made to farmers who delivered maize and other grains from 01 April 2024.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 13, GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai urged farmers to deliver maize and other grains to GMB, saying payment will be made within 21 days.
GMB is currently paying US$390 for a tonne of maize and traditional grains, with no ZiG component.
The USD component for a tonne of sunflower is US$418 and the ZiG component is equivalent is US$278, to give a total of US$696.
For a tonne of soya beans, the USD component is US$348, while the ZiG component is equivalent to US$232, to give a total of US$580.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Pledges To Pay Maize Farmers Within 21 Days

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) on Monday, 27 May, said it had paid US$10 million to wheat farmers, bringing the payments so far to US$38.3 million.
In a statement, GMB CEO Edson Badarai said the parastatal is prioritising the clearance of the outstanding balance of US$5.3 million. He said:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board advises our esteemed farmers and stakeholders of the significant progress made in clearing wheat farmers’ payments. Today, GMB paid USD 10 million to farmers, bringing the payments so far made to USD 38.3 million.
The consistent release of funds from Treasury demonstrates Government’s commitment to its promise to support farmers; towards wheat-based food security.
In the same vein, clearance of the outstanding balance of USD 5.3 million is a top priority. GMB appreciates the dedication and resilience of our farmers, and will continue playing its key role in the agriculture transformation agenda.
</blockquote>
This comes as some wheat farmers have failed to prepare and participate in the ongoing winter wheat cropping season due to the government’s failure to pay them for wheat delivered last year.
This will likely impact negatively on the Government’s target of putting 120 000 hectares under winter wheat this season from which 600 000 tonnes are expected.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/govt-fails-to-pay-for-wheat-deliveries/">Business Weekly</a>, the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president, Shadreck Makombe, said:
<blockquote>
Some farmers who should have planted wheat this season have not been able to do so because they have not been paid for deliveries made to the Grain Marketing Board last year.
Most of the farmers who are meant to be doing the winter wheat are not participating and this is likely to affect the area that the Government is targeting under the crop and the projected yield will be negatively affected.
Wheat production is a process that we think with the planting window the targeted 120 000ha was achievable or may even be surpassed, had all the traditional wheat growers participated.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Pays $10M To Wheat Farmers, Total Reaches $38.3M

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) says it is prioritising payments to wheat farmers, with US$23.7 million having been paid to date.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, 08 May, GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai said the parastatal paid a total of US$4.6 million last week, and an additional US$10 million this week. Said Badarai:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board wishes to advise our esteemed farmers and stakeholders that payments for wheat farmers have been significantly made.
To date, wheat payments amounting to USD23.7 million have been made. The Grain Marketing Board, last week made a payment of USD4.6 million and USD10 million this week.
The clearance of outstanding payments is a serious priority and GMB appreciates the commitment of our farmers in ensuring national food self-sufficiency.
GMB assures of its commitment to continue playing a key role in the agriculture transformation agenda.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is targeting to put 120,000 hectares under winter wheat with the harvest expected to reach 600,000 tonnes, well above the 468,000 tonnes produced from 91,000 hectares last year.
The delay in GMB’s payment to wheat farmers has disrupted their activities, making it difficult for them to secure loans from banks during this winter wheat cropping season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Announces Payment Of US$24 Million To Wheat Farmers

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) says it has completed payments for summer crops, including maize and traditional grains.
This development comes as a relief to farmers and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to contribute to the nation’s food security.
In a statement, GMB Chief Executive Officer Edson Badarai acknowledged that some farmers may encounter delays in payment processing.
He said farmers whose payments have not been reflected in their bank accounts should approach any nearest Depot and have their query resolved within seven days. Said Badarai:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board wishes to advise our esteemed farmers and stakeholders that payments for summer crops (Maize and Traditional Grains) were fully paid.
GMB urges farmers whose payments have not reflected in their bank accounts to approach any nearest Depot and have their query resolved within seven days.
</blockquote>
In the past, GMB has faced challenges in promptly paying farmers for their grain deliveries.
The government is cautious about making payments that could trigger fresh rounds of exchange rate volatility.
Paying large sums to farmers might lead to fluctuations in the local currency’s value, potentially causing it to depreciate significantly.
The GMB relies on disbursements from the government’s treasury to make payments to farmers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Maize Farmers Fully Paid For Summer Crop - GMB

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) said that it has paid ZWL$157 billion and US$27.2 million to farmers to date. This is for both summer crop intake and winter wheat deliveries.
In a statement released on Monday, 12 February, GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai said the parastatal owes farmers ZWL$12.3 billion and US$39 million. He said:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board wishes to advise our valued farmers and stakeholders that payments for farmers have been significantly made.
To date, payments amounting to ZWL157 billion and USD27.2 million have been made. This is for both summer crop intake and winter wheat deliveries.
Meanwhile, the Treasury is accelerating the mobilisation of financial resources to clear outstanding balances of ZWL12.3 billion and USD39 million.
The Grain Marketing Board sincerely apologises for delayed payments to our committed and resilient farmers who continue to immensely contribute to His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision on agriculture transformation, food self-sufficiency and food security; a vision ably steered by Honorable Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
GMB assures of its commitment to continue playing a key role in the agriculture transformation agenda.
</blockquote>
GMB is notorious for failing to pay farmers on time and this has negatively affected farming operations throughout the country.
A <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/farmers-feel-zesa-heat/">recent report</a> indicated that the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), have disconnected some farmers across the country for not paying for electricity and water consumed.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union president Shadreck Makombe blamed delayed payments to GMB for farmers’ failure to pay ZESA and ZINWA on time.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Owes Farmers US$39 Million

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has denied reports that the country has only four months’ supply of grain left in reserve.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 06 February, GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai said as of 30 January 2024, the country had “healthy Strategic Grain Reserve stock levels”. Said Badarai:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is a statutory entity, and at the core of its mandate are: Strategic Grain Reserve management on behalf of Government, and Inputs distribution under the Presidential Inputs Programme.
GMB clarifies that following the liberalisation of the grain trading market in 2023, grain stocks are held by various constituencies, inclusive of industry/millers, households and GMB itself.
Grain stocks at the national level cannot be ascribed to GMB only, but the Strategic Grain Reserve managed by GMB caters mainly for social protection.
In fact, GMB’s grain intake is only less than 30% of the marketed grain and this comes mainly from beneficiaries of the Presidential Inputs Programme and self-financed farmers.
The reality of the matter is that millers have been, in line with the liberalised market, acquiring their own grain from alternative sources from as early as June 2023, save for an approved request in December of 23 000 MT, which even has not been exhausted by millers to date.
The Grain Marketing Board assures the nation that it is sitting on healthy Strategic Grain Reserve stock levels, for the purposes for which the SGR is intended.
GMB urges the nation to disregard misleading information that has been circulated in some media pertaining to the Strategic Grain Reserve position.
</blockquote>
Last week, GMB acting operations director, Clemence Guta, <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/grain-stocks-deplete-gmb-left-with-four-months-supply/">told parliamentarians</a> that the current quantity of grain stocks held in the reserves was 156 681 metric tonnes (mt) of maize, 45 959mt of traditional grains and 247 578mt of wheat. Guta said:
<blockquote>
The available maize and traditional grains at GMB are primarily targeted to benefit vulnerable households under social welfare.
As for grain stocks, we are left with approximately four months’ supply. The GMB will import to augment the available stocks targeting vulnerable households.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a prolonged drought which has been attributed to El Nino.
The 2023/24 summer cropping season has been poor due to late and erratic rains coupled with an acute shortage of fertiliser in the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Has Healthy Strategic Grain Reserve Stock Levels - GMB

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have launched an operation to combat the misappropriation of farming inputs meant to be distributed to smallholder farmers countrywide under the Presidential Inputs Programme.
GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/22-arrested-over-pfumvudza-inputs-theft">State media</a> that nearly 90 tonnes of fertiliser have been recovered while 22 arrests have been made and five armed robberies involving Presidential inputs have been recorded since distribution began.
Some of the criminals are reportedly diverting the inputs for resale on the black market. Said Badarai:
<blockquote>
The GMB is carrying out a blitz in conjunction with law enforcement agencies to recover inputs being sold on the black market.
The blitz has so far led to the recovery of 89.4 tonnes of fertilisers that had been diverted to the black market from the Presidential Inputs Programme.
The blitz is meant to destroy the market for the inputs and make them unfavourable to dealers…
Five cases of robbery involving inputs have been recorded, bringing a new dimension to criminality, which in previous years only involved unscrupulous beneficiaries.
To prevent such incidents, inputs are accompanied from GMB depots to the wards by a team, including GMB staff, extension officers and members of the ZRP.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, five suspected thieves were arrested recently after they stole agricultural inputs worth US$30 000 from a Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot.
The gang of five reportedly stormed a GMB depot at Charandura in Chirumanzu and stole 540 bags of compound D fertilizer and 17 bags of shelled ground nuts which they then loaded into their truck.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Launches Blitz To Recover Stolen Free Presidential Inputs

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Edson Badarai as the new substantive Grain Marketing Board (GMB) chief executive officer, effective 15 May 2023.
Badarai takes over from Rockie Mutenha, who retired recently after his appointment to the position in May 2017.
Mutenha was on a five-year contract, which was extended by another year, ending on 31 March this year.
Following Mutenha’s retirement, Clemence Guta was ppointed acting CEO and his tenure began on 01 April 2023. In a notice, GMB said:
<blockquote>
The Board of Directors of Grain Marketing Board, with the approval of His Excellency The President, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has appointed Dr Edson Badarai as GMB Chief Executive Officer effective 15 May 2023.
This was done in terms of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31]
</blockquote>
According to GMB, holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Free State University (South Africa), a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Management (Chinhoyi University of Technology) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree in Accounting (NUST).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Edson Badarai Appointed GMB Substantive CEO

Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Wutawunashe">Jonathan Wutawunashe</a> has retired from the commission after being at the helm for nearly five years.
He is 67 years old.
Acting PSC secretary Edson Badarai confirmed Wutawunashe’s retirement from the PSC. He said Wutawunashe, a former Ambassador, would issue a statement. Said Badarai told The Standard:
<blockquote>
I can confirm that he (Wutawunashe) is now retired but we will be issuing an official statement very soon.
</blockquote>
Wutawunashe was allegedly working on a contract basis for the past two years.
Wutawunashe reached the retirement age of 65 years in 2020.
There are some insiders who allege that President Emmerson Mnangagwa forced Wutawunashe to retire after he was implicated in some scandals.
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