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

Zimbabwe’s grain farmers are urging the government to make payments entirely in United States dollars (USD) within one week of delivery, reported <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/farmers-demand-full-us-dollar-payments/">Business Times</a>.
This request comes after the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) announced a producer price of US$335.14 per tonne.
While farmers appreciate this price, they are worried about payment delays and the use of local currency in the payment process.
Farmers have argued that many of their operational costs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals, are in US dollars.
Receiving partial payments in local currency poses difficulties, especially given its rapid depreciation.
Patrick Chiruka, a farmer from Shamva, called on the government to fulfil its commitment to USD payments. He said:
<blockquote>
What we want is to receive the full US$ 335.14 per tonne on time. Receiving part of the payment in local currency makes it difficult for us to plan our next steps. The government must honour its commitment to paying in US dollars.
</blockquote>
Goromonzi-based farmer Alfred Nyarambi said he has no use for the local currency, as he purchases all his inputs in US dollars. Added Nyarambi:
<blockquote>
All my inputs are purchased in US dollars. Paying me in local currency undermines the entire payment process, especially with the prevailing exchange rate volatility.
</blockquote>
Edward Dune, an agriculturist and former executive of the Zimbabwe National Farmers Union, said the new maize price is a positive step, aligning with global market standards.
However, he stressed that the government must ensure timely and full payments in US dollars to encourage farmers to continue selling their grain in the formal market.

Grain farmers in Zimbabwe want to get paid in US dollars within a week of delivering their crops. The Grain Marketing Board is offering $335.14 per tonne, but farmers are worried about delays and getting paid in local currency. They need US dollars to cover their costs for seeds and chemicals. Farmers like Patrick Chiruka and Alfred Nyarambi want the government to stick to its promise of paying in US dollars. Edward Dune, an expert, says the new price is good, but full and on-time payments in US dollars are important to keep farmers selling their grain in proper markets.

Grain Farmers Demand Full USD 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 amount of maize in the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos has dropped significantly, raising concerns about food security in Zimbabwe, <a href="https://cite.org.zw/sharp-decline-in-gmb-maize-stocks-raises-food-security-fears/">reported CITE</a>.
A recent report by the Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development states that Zimbabwe’s food security is worsening due to maize shortages and agricultural instability, worsened by a drought caused by El Niño.
The government’s heavy reliance on the private sector for maize supplies, intended to diversify the supply chain, has led to a decrease in available maize.
The committee also reported that Silo Foods Industries, a major food processor in Zimbabwe, is facing serious maize shortages because the GMB is not meeting its supply targets.
In December 2023, Silo received only 1,934 metric tonnes of maize from the GMB, far below its monthly target of 8,000 metric tonnes. Said the committee:
<blockquote>
The statistics presented highlighted the severity of the situation, with Silo Food Industries receiving only 1 934 metric tonnes of maize from the GMB in December 2023, 3 460 metric tonnes in January 2024, and 1 267 metric tonnes in February 2024, against a target of 8 000 metric tonnes per month.
This resulted in a significant shortfall of 3 339 metric tonnes (42 per cent of the target) which underscored the urgent need for action to address the food shortages and prevent the situation from worsening.
</blockquote>
The committee pointed out that the private sector, especially millers and large traders, has been hesitant to sell their maize to the GMB, which is in charge of managing the country’s emergency grain supply. Says the report:
<blockquote>
The private sector is not selling maize to the GMB, creating a significant gap in the maize supply chain. This over-reliance on private suppliers, especially in the midst of an El Niño-induced drought, has left the government struggling to maintain adequate food reserves.
</blockquote>
The committee also said that the government has not been able to track the maize stocks held by private traders, which could have helped in coordinating efforts and responding more quickly to the food security problem.
The inquiry also revealed that “land tenure security and the dispersed nature of smallholder farms, which hindered agricultural production and investment, contributed to a 71 per cent shortfall in maize supply compared to the target.”
Farmers have faced financial struggles because the GMB has been slow to make payments, sometimes taking months to process them.
The committee said selling to the GMB has become too complicated due to issues like red tape, unclear rules, and logistical challenges.
They also pointed out that allowing the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) to play a bigger role in the maize supply chain has led to less maize being available for the GMB, making the food security problem worse.
Additionally, the committee expressed concerns about GMAZ importing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for human consumption.
The committee has called for a complete review of the government’s agricultural policies, suggesting improvements in the GMB’s operations, better coordination with private traders, and better irrigation systems.
To prepare the report, the committee held meetings with key stakeholders like the GMB, Silo Foods Industry, GMAZ, and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development.
They also visited several GMB depots in Aspindale, Norton, Chegutu, Lion’s Den, Banket, and Chinhoyi.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The amount of maize in Zimbabwe's grain silos is low, causing concerns about food security. The shortage is worsened by a drought. The government relies heavily on the private sector for maize, but this has led to a decrease in available maize. Major food processors, like Silo Foods Industries, are facing shortages because the government is not supplying enough maize. The private sector is not selling maize to the government, making the situation worse. The government needs to review its policies and improve coordination with private traders to address the food security problem.

Sharp Decline In Maize Supplies at GMB Raises Alarm

Members of Parliament have called on the Government to make prompt payments to farmers once they deliver their grain, to ensure they can recover their costs on time and secure inputs for the next farming season.
During a session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Rushinga MP Tendai Nyabani (ZANU PF) said the delayed payments have led farmers to seek private buyers for their grain, resulting in side marketing. Said Nyabani:
<blockquote>
We urge government to pay farmers as soon as they receive their deliveries.
Government should fund Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry in its different programmes for prosperity.
We have seen that farmers are not putting their all because GMB delays with their payments, which in some instances take two to three years to be processed.
</blockquote>
Shamva South MP Joseph Mapika (ZANU PF) urged the government to establish a quick-response fund to address the various challenges faced by farmers. He added:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Lands should inform the citizens that most depots do not have grains as we witnessed during the committee tour.
</blockquote>
Mwenezi West MP Priscilla Moyo (ZANU PF) said that it is imperative to empower farmers for the nation’s benefit, urging the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to offer competitive prices for their produce to ensure farmers remain in business.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lawmakers want the government to pay farmers quickly for their grain so they can cover their costs and buy supplies for the next season. The delay in payments is causing farmers to sell to private buyers, which is not good. They are asking for a special fund to help farmers with their problems. It's important to support farmers so they can contribute to the country's success. The government should make sure the Grain Marketing Board pays fair prices to keep farmers in business.

Lawmakers Urge GMB To Make Prompt Payments To Farmers

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has announced that it has received US$13 million and ZiG$115 million from the Treasury to settle payments for grain delivered by farmers.
In a statement, GMB CEO Edson Badarai confirmed that the funds are already being processed for disbursement. He added:
<blockquote>
The Board sincerely appreciates farmers who continue to deliver to GMB, as well as Government, through Treasury, for release of the much needed financial resources for farmers. Treasury has committed to raise additional funds for farmers.
As the country spearheads wheat-based food security, farmers are encouraged to continue delivering wheat to GMB.
</blockquote>
In September, Badarai announced that the producer price for wheat had been set at US$450 per tonne for standard grade and US$470 per tonne for premium grade, with payments to be made exclusively in United States dollars.
During the 2023 winter wheat season, farmers received US$440 per tonne, with payments split 75% in US dollars and 25% in Zimbabwe dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
Since GMB will now pay wheat farmers exclusively in US dollars, it appears the ZiG$115 million allocated by the Treasury is intended to settle payments for maize and small grains delivered by farmers during the 2023/24 season.
It is concerning that farmers have had to wait so long for payment, especially considering that the 2024/25 season is already underway.
Many farmers would have relied on timely payments to purchase inputs well before the current season began.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Grain Marketing Board has received US$13 million and ZiG$115 million from the Treasury to pay farmers for their grain.
The money is already being processed for distribution to farmers.
Farmers are encouraged to keep delivering wheat to GMB for food security.
The producer price for wheat has been set at US$450 per tonne.
Payments will now be made exclusively in US dollars.
The ZiG$115 million will be used to pay for maize and small grains from the 2023/24 season.
Farmers are worried about the delay in payments as the new season has already started.
They rely on prompt payments to buy the things they need for farming.

Treasury Allocates US$13 Million And ZiG$115 Million To GMB

Farmers have welcomed the new producer prices for wheat, set at US$450 per tonne for standard grade and US$470 for premium grade, with payments made exclusively in United States dollars.
During the 2023 winter wheat season, farmers received US$440 per tonne, with payments split 75% in US dollars and 25% in Zimbabwe dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/farmers-upbeat-over-govts-new-wheat-producer-prices">The Sunday Mail</a> on Saturday, Grain Marketing Board (GMB) CEO Edson Badarai explained that this decision aims to boost production and productivity. He stated:
<blockquote>
After extensive consultations with all stakeholders, the parastatal decided to pay farmers exclusively in USD to encourage production. In addition to the base price, we have introduced a US$20 incentive for premium-grade wheat. These measures are part of our efforts to ensure food security every day, everywhere.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union President Shadreck Makombe expressed gratitude for the government’s responsiveness to their concerns, saying:
<blockquote>
We should give credit where it’s due. We obtain loans in foreign currency, and it has been challenging to repay them using local currency. We presented our grievances, and the government acted on them.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe National Farmers Union President Monica Chinamasa said that “farmers are pleased with how the season is progressing,” as Zimbabwe is projected to achieve a record harvest of 600,000 tonnes of wheat, surpassing last season’s record of 468,000 tonnes.
However, the tonnage figures declared by authorities have often faced criticism. The government would a surplus, stating that silos are overflowing with grain, while grain millers continue to import hundreds of thousands of metric tonnes to meet local demand.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farmers are happy because they are now getting more money for their wheat. The new prices are $450 for standard grade and $470 for premium grade, all in US dollars. Last year, they only got $440 per tonne. This change will help them produce more. The government listened to their concerns and now they are doing better. They are expected to produce a lot more wheat this year, but some people are not sure about the numbers. Overall, farmers are happy with the new prices and hope to have a successful season.

Farmers Rejoice Over New Wheat Producer Prices

The government has said price guidelines for contracted farmers are not a form of price control, as the private sector will ultimately determine the prices based on supply and demand dynamics.
During a question and answer session in the National Assembly, Vangelis Peter Haritatos, the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, clarified the government’s position.
He explained that the prices announced by the government are the rates that will be used by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) when purchasing produce from the contracted farmers.
The Deputy Minister asserted that the private sector will still have the flexibility to set prices that align with market conditions of supply and demand. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029442/govt-to-set-price-guidelines-for-farmers">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
We are not about setting price controls or anything to that effect. What we do, essentially, we announce a price for whatever is contracted to the government.
So, when we talk of the Presidential Input Programme or National Agricultural Programme, these are related to the government.
For us, we feel it is right to announce pre-planting prices as well as producer prices so that at least our farmers understand before they even go into that crop.
During price guideline implementation will bring [together] all stakeholders, farmers, input suppliers and also contractors.
We are the buyers of grain. We need to announce the prices and the hope is that consumers and the public take that as a guiding price so that our farmers can get similar prices.
</blockquote>
Last month, GMB announced a new payment structure for grains, which will see farmers receive US dollar payments upon delivery of their produce.
As reported by <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/gmb-announces-new-producer-prices">The Sunday Mail</a>, maize and traditional grains will fetch US$390 per tonne, with sunflower seeds earning US$713 per tonne, up from US$696.
The producer price for soya beans has been set at US$620 per tonne, up from US$580.
In the past, GMB paid farmers a mixture of US dollars and local currency for their crops.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government has set price guidelines for farmers who have contracts, but this is not controlling the prices. The private sector will still decide the prices based on supply and demand. The government is only announcing the prices that will be used by the Grain Marketing Board when buying crops from contracted farmers. Farmers will still have the flexibility to set their own prices according to market conditions. Recently, GMB announced new payment rates for different grains, with farmers now receiving payments in US dollars upon delivery. In the past, farmers were paid in a mix of US dollars and local currency.

Government Says Price Guidelines For Contracted Farmers Not Price Control

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

Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Clemence Guta has said the parastatal has cleared all outstanding payments to wheat farmers for deliveries of the crop from last season after receiving over US$5 million from the Treasury this week.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 04 June 2024, Guta said the US$5.3 million payment brings total earnings by wheat farmers for last year’s crop to US$44 million. Said Guta:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board wishes to advise our valued customers and stakeholders that all outstanding payments for wheat farmers have been fully made.
The Grain Marketing Board this week received USD 5.3 million to clear all outstanding wheat payments from the last season, bringing total payments to USD 44 million.
GMB appreciates the support it received from the Treasury in mobilising financial resources and making farmer payments a top priority.
GMB recognises and values the resilience and commitment of our farmers who are spearheading the agricultural transformation agenda.
GMB assures of its commitment to continue playing a key role in national food security, especially in ensuring that farmers are paid on time.
</blockquote>
While this is a positive development, some wheat farmers have failed to prepare and participate in the ongoing winter wheat cropping season due to the delayed payments.
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:
<div class="in_article">
<div>
<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>
</div>
</div>

GMB Clears Outstanding Payments To Wheat Farmers

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

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>
Last week, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) said it had paid a total of US$28.7 million to wheat farmers for the grain delivered from last year’s harvest.
GMB chief executive officer Edison Badarai said that they were still mobilising funds to clear all payments to wheat farmers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB's Delayed Payments Hamper Wheat Farmers’ Winter Crop Season

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) says it paid a total of US$28.7 million to wheat farmers for the grain delivered from last year’s harvest.
In a statement, GMB chief executive officer Edison Badarai said the local currency component of the payment was completed.
Badarai, however, did not specify the amount owed by GMB to wheat farmers or provide a timeline for full payment. He said:
<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 USD28.7 million have been made, while the ZWL component was completed some time back.
Today, the Grain Marketing Board made payments amounting to USD 5 million. This follows payments of USD 14.6 processed in the last 2 weeks.
GMB appreciates the patience of farmers as the last payments are being mobilised.
</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 Pays A Cumulative US$28.7 Million To Wheat Farmers

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) says the country has only four months’ supply of grain left in reserve.
GMB acting operations director, Clemence Guta, told parliamentarians this week 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. Said Guta, as quoted by <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/grain-stocks-deplete-gmb-left-with-four-months-supply/">Business Times</a>:
<blockquote>
An estimate of the projected grain requirements for the year 2024 and the anticipated consumption levels by various sectors such as food processing industries, livestock feed and human consumption national requirement for maize and traditional grains is 2 200 000mt for both humans and livestock, milling industry 45 000mt per month and livestock feed 30 000mt per month.
The available maize and traditional grains at GMB are primarily targeted to benefit the 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>
He said private players have imported more than 300 000mt of maize and 136 000mt of wheat over the past ten months. Said Guta:
<blockquote>
Grain processors have also been allowed to import grain for processing such that a total of 310 000mt of maize and 136 000mt of wheat were imported into the country from 1 April 2023 to date.
GMB only managed to sell the following quantities of grain to processors during the period 1 April 2023 to date: 155 000mt maize, traditional grains 10 800mt and 32 500mt of wheat.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances affecting grain production such as adverse weather conditions or crop diseases, contingency measures are in place to mitigate any potential shortages and ensure food security.
</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>

GMB Left With Four Month Supply Of Grain

The Government has reportedly failed to release funds to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to enable it to pay wheat farmers for deliveries to the parastatal.
A farmer in Banket, Mashonaland West Province, speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021385/gmb-fails-to-pay-wheat-farmers">NewsDay</a> anonymously, accused GMB of making false promises. He said:
<blockquote>
We are into the festive season and workers look forward to us paying them but GMB has not paid us.
Besides the Christmas holiday, every parent needs school fees early next year. We are not happy at all.
</blockquote>
Another farmer said that only one farmer in Karoi, also in Mash West Province, was paid recently due to pressing health issues. He said:
<blockquote>
Indeed, GMB has not paid us for the outstanding winter wheat.
Only one farmer who has health challenges was paid recently. We have failed to buy inputs for this farming season and are in a fix over the delays by GMB.
</blockquote>
However, GMB chief executive officer Edison Badarai claimed that the parastatal has started paying wheat farmers. He said:
<blockquote>
On the US dollar component, the payments have been largely paid, except for US$2.8 million which will be liquidated in no time.
Winter wheat intake has also commenced with ZWL$59 million paid so far.
GMB would like to apologise for the delayed payment to our resilient and committed farmers spearheading the agriculture revolution that has seen Zimbabwe attaining food self-sufficiency.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe produced over 465 000 tonnes of wheat in the 2023 winter wheat season, thereby surpassing the previous record of 375 000 tonnes attained in 2022.
The country requires about 360 000 tonnes of wheat for national consumption annually and this year’s winter wheat crop is 100 000 tonnes more than national demand.
GMB’s failure to pay grain farmers on time may scuttle the progress the country has been making in recent years to be self-sufficient.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Fails To Pay Wheat Farmers

The Government says the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has in stock a total of 235 095 tonnes of grain, enough to last 10 months.
In a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere said that as of 10 December 2023, GMB had in stock a total of 235 095 tonnes of grain, comprising 188 353 tonnes of maize and 46 742 tonnes of traditional grains. He said:
<blockquote>
At the prevailing monthly consumption rate of 23 000 tonnes per month, the available grain will last 10.2 months.
</blockquote>
Muswere said the country’s current wheat stocks stand at 242 508 tonnes sufficient to provide 11.5 months of cover.
He said GMB has a 46.8 per cent market share of maize, 7.3 per cent of soya bean, 41.3 per cent of sunflower, wheat 46 per cent, and 63.6 per cent of traditional grains, translating to 39.4 per cent share of the total marketed crop.
Muswere said 227.5 million kilogrammes of tobacco worth US$1.196 billion have been exported at an average price of US$526 per kg.
Last year, 182 million kilogrammes worth US$880.677 million were exported at US$4.83 per kg.
He said more than 85 295 tonnes of graded cotton have been delivered across the nation as of 06 December compared to 55 927 tonnes at the same time in 2022.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Grain Stock Enough To Last 10 Months - Govt

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has failed to pay farmers the outstanding ZWL$54 billion several months after they sold grain to the parastatal.
With the 2023/24 summer cropping season just around the corner, GMB’s failure to pay farmers has likely hampered preparations for the new season.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) executive director Paul Zakariya said the issue of delayed payments has negatively impacted farmers’ cash flow. <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/anxiety-as-gmb-fails-to-pay-farmers/">Business Times</a> quoted Zakariya as saying:
<blockquote>
We are at a stage where farmers would require to ensure that cash flows continue to be positive on the farms and that they meet other expenses like labour costs and repairs to machinery and equipment as well as ensuring that the farms are ticking so these delayed payments have actually become quite a bother on many operations.
</blockquote>
Last week, GMB finance director Clemence Guta told Parliament that of the outstanding payments, ZWL$ 21 billion was for maize deliveries. Said Guta:
<blockquote>
We have an outstanding balance of ZWL$54bn of which ZWL$21bn relates to maize deliveries and we got US$ 25mn which is outstanding as well about US$ 8.7mn relates to traditional grains with the balance being for wheat deliveries…
We are continuously pursuing the Treasury so that they release funds so that our farmers are able to go back to the fields.
</blockquote>
He also said the GMB has started inputs for the Presidential input scheme but was lagging behind in terms of payments to transporters.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GMB Fails To Pay Farmers

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

Five suspected thieves were arrested on Friday after they stole agricultural inputs worth US$30 000 from a Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depot just before midnight on Thursday.
The gang of five reportedly stormed a GMB depot at Charandura Chirumanzu and stole 540 bags of compound D fertilizer and 17 bags of shelled ground nuts which they then loaded into their truck.
ZRP spokesperson in Midlands Province told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/dramatic-arrest-5-storm-into-gmb-depot-steal-us30k-inputs-apprehended-in-police-highway-ambush/">Chronicle</a> that suspected thieves were arrested on Friday around 2:20 AM fleeing with their loot to Harare along the Harare – Masvingo highway in Mvuma.
He said the bags of fertiliser and groundnuts as well as the DAF 15-tonne truck which was used in the commission of the offence, are held at Mvuma Police Station as exhibits. Said Insp Mahoko:
<blockquote>
The arrested suspects are, Tirayi Dzimangi (52), of Hatcliff, Harare, Munesu Lazarous (37) of Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza, Harare, Jofile Magwadi (53) of 12th Street Hatcliff, Harare, Titus Marange (34) of Village Makarara, Chief Marange, Mutare and Stephen Nhamo (38) of Goodhope Lot 6 Westgate, Harare.
</blockquote>
He said on Thursday at around 11:30 PM the gang went to GMB Charandura Depot and allegedly cut the security fences at the depot and gained entry into the premises.
They found two security guards on duty and assaulted the guards using logs. Said Insp Mahoko:
<blockquote>
They asaaulted the guards using logs, tied them using ropes, stuffed their mouths with pieces of clothes and dumped them in a stormwater drain.
They searched for and found keys to the gate, drove their truck into the depot and loaded 540 bags of compound D fertilizer and 17 bags of shelled ground nuts before driving away.
</blockquote>
He said the offence was immediately discovered by another security guard who was coming from church and reported the matter at Charandura police station.
The two other security guards who were found in the stormwater drain were referred to St Theresa Hospital for medical assistance.
Insp Mahoko said Charandura Police Station alerted their Mvuma counterparts who mounted an armed roadblock in Mvuma along the Harare-Masvingo highway. He said:
<blockquote>
Within a few minutes, a truck matching the description they had been given approached from Masvingo direction at high speed. The truck disobeyed the police signals to stop.
Police had to fire shots which deflated one of the front wheels and in the process causing the motor vehicle to halt.
</blockquote>
Insp Mahoko said three occupants immediately jumped out and disappeared into the darkness. He added:
<blockquote>
All inputs stolen from GMB Charandura depot were recovered. Apart from the inputs, inside the vehicle was a third number plate with registration number AGA 9786 which is different from the front and rear number plates AGJ 7169.
We invite members of the public to assist us as we embark on the investigation of one of the seemingly sophisticated robbery exploits in the country.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Five Robbers Who Stormed GMB Depot Arrested In Police Highway Ambush

The Government has set the wheat marketing price for the 2023 agricultural season at US$520.25 per tonne, slightly up from the pre-planting producer price of US$520 per tonne, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/government-announces-wheat-marketing-price/">reported The Herald</a>.
Wheat farmers will be paid 75% in US dollars for their deliveries, and the remaining 25% will be payable in Zimbabwe dollars.
Speaking during a press conference on the marketing price for winter wheat, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka said:
<blockquote>
The price determination is based on the approved pricing policy which uses a standardised maize production model, cost plus pricing model, an average yield level of 4.8 tonnes per hectare and 15 percent margin above breakeven price.
Submissions from various stakeholders are also taken into consideration. Up to 80 percent of wheat production costs are in USD.
</blockquote>
Masuka said the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) will purchase all wheat financed under the Presidential Input programme as well as by the self-financed farmers and will be the buyer of last resort.
He said contractors may arrange to sell to GMB.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Sets Wheat Marketing Price At US$520 Per Tonne

The government says the country has sufficient maize and small grains stocks that are expected to last until next season.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said the current stock stands at 204 084 metric tonnes of maize and 41 464 metric tonnes (mt) of traditional grains. She said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that as at 9 July, 2023, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) had in stock a total of 204 084 mt of maize and 41 464 mt of traditional grains.
Millers and stock-feed manufacturers are being allocated 27 000 mt, SILO Foods 16 000 mt per month, and an additional 10 000 mt will be sold to Rwanda.
</blockquote>
Regarding wheat, Mutsvangwa said the country’s current stocks stood at 140 029 mt, which is sufficient to provide eight months’ cover, as the monthly allocation stands at 21 000 mt. She said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet wishes to highlight that 69.8 percent of the country’s wheat is being produced by A1 farmers. The nation is informed that a record 86 466 hectares have been put under wheat compared to 80 882 hectares last year.
The area planted is 14.5 percent above the initial target of 85 000 hectares, and 96 percent of the revised target of 90 000 hectares.
The bulk of the planted wheat or 69.8 percent is by resettled farmers (A1 and A2), while the communal farmers contributed 6.95 percent.
The bulk of the planted wheat is now at the vegetative stage and is in good condition. Quelea bird control activities are underway, including the aerial spraying of nesting points using drones. The required pesticides are also readily available.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet deliberated at length on the importance of paying farmers on time for the delivery of all crops.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Has Sufficient Grain Reserves - Govt

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

The Government has rejected calls by the opposition to pay farmers for their produce exclusively in United States dollars.
Speaking during a Question and Answer session on Wednesday, Kuwadzana East MP Chalton Hwende (CCC) asked the Government to consider paying farmers in USD to enable them to buy inputs for next season. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011744/dump-the-failed-zimdollar-mps">Said Hwende</a>:
<blockquote>
The RTGS will not enable these farmers to buy inputs for the next cropping season.
Why is the government not considering paying them in United States dollars for all their produce just like what is being done beyond the borders?
Right now, the government is paying farmers RTGS and expects them to go to shops where prices are being inflated.
</blockquote>
In response, Justice, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the leader of Government business in Parliament, said the Government will not abandon the Zimbabwe dollar. He said:
<blockquote>
Honourable Hwende is in other words encouraging government not to pay in RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), but in US dollars. The truth is that we cannot stop paying farmers in RTGS.
We cannot, therefore, say we are no longer paying in RTGS. We cannot dump the RTGS because it has lost value and we adopt another currency.
That is not possible. We have to promote our own currency if we want to control our own economy.
We can only put measures to control and stabilise the inflation rate on the parallel market.
If you look at all the countries around the world, Zambia for example, has once done it, but eventually moved away from that decision and opted for its own currency, the Kwacha.
</blockquote>
Last month, the Government announced that grain farmers will be paid at US$368 per metric tonne.
US$200 will be in foreign currency and the remaining US$168 in Zimbabwe dollars at the interbank rate.
When the local currency was reintroduced in June 2019, it was trading at 1:1 with the US dollar but has since fallen to $1 407 on the official auction market and more than $3 000 on the black market.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Rejects Legislators' Call To Pay Farmers Exclusively In US Dollars

The Government on Friday announced producer prices for strategic crops such as maize, traditional grains, soya bean, and sunflower.
The Grain Market Board (GMB) will only purchase strategic commodities financed under the Presidential Input Programme as well as by self-financed farmers.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, at a media briefing in Harare.
GMB will pay a floor producer price of US$335 per metric tonne for maize and traditional grains.
For soya beans and sunflowers, GMB will pay US$580 and US$696, per tonne respectively.
The prices will be partly paid in foreign currency and the remainder in Zimbabwe dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
The Government has also set a pre-planting producer price of US$520 per metric tonne of wheat. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
A floor producer price of US$335 per metric tonne of maize and traditional grains is paid to farmers by GMB as US$200 in foreign currency plus US$135 in local currency.
US$580 per metric tonne for soya beans paid as US$348 in foreign currency and US$232 in local at the interbank rate.
</blockquote>
The Government has also liberalised the marketing of grain with all contractors allowed to buy back contracted crops.
Self-financed farmers will also sell their produce in the market or to the Grain Marketing Board.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Announces Producer Prices For Grains, Soya Beans

The Government says it will clear the US$14 million owed to wheat farmers for the produce delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) in the next three weeks.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, John Basera said Treasury was committed to clearing the debt by mid-April.
<a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/govt-to-clear-us14m-wheat-farmers-debt/">The Manica Post</a> reported that Basera made the pledge while addressing farmers at a Pfumvudza Field Day in Chiendambuya last week on Friday. Basera said:
<blockquote>
We have agreed with the Treasury to clear the outstanding debt of US$14 million owed to wheat farmers in the next three weeks.
By mid-April, we should have cleared it so that farmers can prepare for winter wheat cropping.
The wheat delivered to GMB was worth $39 billion and the whole amount was paid in full, leaving the USD component outstanding.
The USD component was US$31 million, and we are left with US$14 million.
</blockquote>
The government said wheat farmers were paid 30 percent of their sales proceeds in foreign currency and 70 percent in local currency.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

"GMB To Clear US$14 Million Wheat Farmers Debt By Mid-April"

Ten (10) Grain Marketing Board (GMB) employees were seriously injured following an explosion at the company’s Chegutu depot on Tuesday, 31 January.
The injured workers were rushed to Chegutu General Hospital where their condition was said to be stable. In a statement, GMB CEO Rockie Mutenha said:
<blockquote>
Preliminary investigations have pointed to a grain bucket elevator explosion which emitted some heat injuring the personnel on duty.
</blockquote>
Provincial Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairman, Josephat Jaji, who is also Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary, had put the number of the injured at nine (9):
<blockquote>
I can confirm that nine people were injured when an explosion occurred at one of the silos that they were working in.
There were no fatalities and the injured were rushed to Chegutu General Hospital.
We are, however, waiting for experts to give the cause of the blast as investigations are now underway.
</blockquote>
A similar tragedy occurred in 2018 when at least four people were killed while three others were seriously injured after an explosion at the GMB’s Lion’s Den Depot, near Chinhoyi.
Both Chegutu and Chinhoyi are in Mashonaland West Province. | <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/10-gmb-workers-suffer-severe-burns-after-explosion-at-chegutu-depot/">ZimLive</a>, <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/explosion-rocks-gmb-chegutu-depot-leaves-9-injured/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

10 GMB Workers Suffer Burns After Explosion At Chegutu Depot

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has pledged to pay all wheat farmers that delivered their crop their outstanding payments in foreign currency starting this week.
To date, the government has reportedly paid up to ZWL$37 billion and US$4 million to wheat farmers, with outstanding payments now around US$26 million.
Speaking during a Green field day held in Mazowe on Friday, GMB operations director, Forward Takaendesa said:
<blockquote>
We managed to pay 67 percent in the Zim dollar component. Those with errors on their accounts and those who delivered their crop late were also affected, but we are sure that all those are going to be paid.
Efforts are being made to aggregate such amounts. We are trying our best. By next week, we are sure that we are going to pay our farmers in US dollars.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president Depinah Nkomo urged GMB to expeditiously pay farmers early to enable them to plan.
GMB is paying ZWL$268 048 plus US$220 for a tonne of premium grade, while standard grade receives $243 680 plus US$200 per tonne.
Last season wheat farmers produced more than 380 000 tonnes. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/wheat-farmers-to-start-getting-their-balances-this-week/">The Herald</a>

GMB Pledges To Pay US$26 Million Owed To Wheat Farmers Soon

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) owes farmers US$27 million for grain deliveries and has so far paid all farmers the Zimbabwe dollar component of the payments.
This was said by Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka after a tour of the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme in Matabeleland North Province last week.
Masuka assured farmers that the government will soon release the foreign currency so that they get their money. He said:
<blockquote>
The GMB owes farmers US$27 million. But they have paid all the Zimbabwe dollars.
So, if you have received the Zimbabwe dollars that’s fine. We will be paying the US dollars soon.
</blockquote>
The chairperson of the Bubi-Lupane Irrigation Scheme Douglas Khumalo said each farmer at the irrigation scheme is supposed to receive US$370 adding to the $500 000 that has been paid. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/gmb-to-start-paying-farmers-for-grain-deliveries/">Chronicle</a>

Grain Farmers Owed US$27 Million By GMB

Wheat farmers are accusing the government of abandoning them and leaving them at the mercy of “unscrupulous” millers and contractors.
The government set the producer price of wheat at US$620 per tonne for the ordinary grade but millers and contractors are reportedly offering them between US$450 and US$500 per tonne.
A farmer who refused to be named told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/agriculture/article/200004379/wheat-farmers-cry-foul-over-price">NewsDay</a> that the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is not buying wheat but has only offered storage facilities to the wheat farmers. Said the farmer:
<blockquote>
Government said the producer must be paid US$620, but it is only on paper. GMB said it is not buying any wheat and the millers are offering way below the stipulated prices.
The bumper harvest that we experienced is now a curse and most farmers have vowed not to plant wheat again next year.
</blockquote>
A representative from one of the millers’ associations said the government announced the new producer prices without consulting them. Said the representative:
<blockquote>
The US$500 is the indicative price. The problem with our government is that it just announces the price without consulting.
Sometimes it becomes cheaper to import wheat of high quality than to buy it locally.
The other thing is that most of the wheat farmers are contracted. They have a prior arrangement with their contractors which stipulates the amount of money they are getting paid.
</blockquote>

Grain Millers Buying Wheat Below Stipulated Price - Farmers

Grain Marketing Board (GMB) workers have given the parastatal’s management a 14-day ultimatum to review their salaries which they say are no longer enough to cater to their basic needs.
According to a notice addressed to the parastatal’s management dated 16 November 2022 and signed by GMB and Silo Food Industries Worker’s Union secretary-general David Chigogo, the lowest-paid worker is earning less than ZWL$30 000 per month. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
The employers have disregarded the prevailing economic environment in which most goods and services are pegged in US dollars.
This has severely eroded the buying power of employees’ salaries as evidenced by the lowest-paid employee earning a basic salary of $29 111.
To make matters worse, there is no USD component to compensate for the meagre salary.
This salary has been stagnant since April 2022. How do employers expect employees to survive?
</blockquote>
The workers also claimed that they are being made to work during weekends to distribute farming inputs under Pfumvudza and the Presidential Input Scheme. They said:
<blockquote>
Employees even come to work on Sundays in order to fulfil inputs distribution targets but their plea for salary review (or) payment of overtime in full and USD component has not been heard.
The management has kept on procrastinating salary reviews hiding behind their principal citing no funding but employees are saying enough is enough.
If the employers are failing to value the services of employees, we are saying it is time to put tools down.
Other parastatals have been awarded salary increments by the same principal.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003882/gmb-workers-threaten-job-action-over-us30-salary">NewsDay</a>

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