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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>

Pindula News

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 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

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 month this year’s winter wheat crop is 100 000 tonnes more than national demand.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zim-sets-new-wheat-record">The Sunday Mail</a>, the chief director responsible for agricultural engineering, mechanisation, post-harvest agro-processing and soil conservation in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Engineer Edwin Zimunga, said:
<blockquote>
We can safely say wheat harvesting is complete. From the mechanisation view, we are now shifting focus to land preparation for the summer cropping season.
Government’s investment in wheat production continues to pay off handsomely, as farmers have successfully harvested over 465 000 tonnes, representing a new record in wheat production.
We have reason to celebrate as our farmers really answered the call from the Government to fight for food security. It is clear that the initiatives are yielding results.
The high wheat output is expected to lead to a decline in prices for basics like bread, pasta and pastries as flour is a major ingredient.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe produces what is called soft wheat which is typically milled into flour and used to make a wide range of foods, including bread, muffins, noodles, pasta, biscuits, cakes, cookies, pastries and cereal bars.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara told The Sunday Mail that the country could export some of the soft wheat in return for only 30 percent hard wheat to meet the market standards of bread.
Zimbabwe has surpassed its winter wheat output target for the second successive season and this has been attributed to favourable pre-planting producer prices, uninterrupted electricity and water supply for irrigation.
Prior to the winter season, Government set a pre-planting producer price of US$520 per tonne of wheat.
Part of the money is paid in foreign currency, while the Zimbabwe dollar component is paid at the prevailing interbank rate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Sets New Wheat Record; Farmers Produced 100 000 Tonnes More Than National Demand

The Government has urged wheat farmers to speed up harvesting their crop to avoid losses from rains expected in the first week of November, reported <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/new-speed-up-harvesting-farmers-urged">The Sunday Mail</a>.
The Chief director (agricultural engineering, mechanisation, post-harvest agro-processing and soil conservation) in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Engineer Edwin Zimunga said:
<blockquote>
We are urging all wheat farmers to expedite harvesting of their winter wheat crops by all means available.
We have created combine harvesters clusters countrywide, where farmers can access efficient service.
Farmers need to get in touch with local leadership to organise and schedule harvesting and grain drying services immediately to save the winter wheat.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe expects to harvest a record 430 000 tonnes of wheat this year at a time the annual national demand for the cereal stands at 360 000 tonnes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Urges Farmers To Expedite Wheat Harvesting

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

In August, the Zimbabwean government revealed plans to export around 60,000 tonnes of surplus wheat stocks in 2024. This decision comes as the country anticipates another successful wheat harvest this year, resulting in an excess supply beyond domestic needs. At the same time, Zimbabwe is among six African countries that are expected to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia. This has left some people confused.
According to a report from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Zimbabwe is expecting to yield 420,000 tonnes of wheat from its winter crop. This indicates a positive outlook for the country’s agricultural sector in terms of wheat production. Read the report:
<blockquote>
The country planted 90 000 hectares of wheat in the current winter cropping season from which we expect 420 000 tonnes of wheat, which is about 60 000 more than the national requirement.
Because of the targeted harvest, the country will be self-sufficient for a second year running and we will be able to export wheat to our sister countries in Africa.
</blockquote>
Agronomist Anderson Magura affirms that Zimbabwe’s recent agricultural achievements, notably in wheat and maize production, are accurately represented by the projected harvest figures. Previously, the country experienced bread price increases due to shortages of both local and imported wheat, forcing millers to heavily depend on imported wheat funded through the black market.
Meanwhile, at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in St Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to provide grain aid of up to 50,000 tons to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea, and the Central African Republic within the next three to four months. While discussing the halted Black Sea grain deal, Putin said:
<blockquote>
Our country will continue supporting needy states and regions, in particular, with its humanitarian deliveries. We seek to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources. We are taking maximum efforts to avert a global food crisis.
I have already said that our country can replace Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial basis and as grant aid to the neediest African countries, more so since we expect another record harvest this year.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Russia announced that Turkey has tentatively agreed to handle one million metric tonnes of grain to be sent to Africa at a discounted price. This arrangement is supported financially by Qatar. Russia proposed this plan after terminating a previous deal in July that allowed Ukraine to safely ship grain from its Black Sea ports in an effort to stabilize rising global food prices, which were worsened by Russia’s invasion. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters:
<blockquote>
All agreements in principle have been reached. We expect that in the near future we will enter into working contacts with all parties to work out all the technical aspects of the scheme for such deliveries.
</blockquote>
Turkey will handle the onward export of Russian grain, but the details of its role are unclear. Russia terminated the prior deal due to obstacles to its grain exports caused by sanctions and dissatisfaction with grain distribution to poorer countries.
<h3>Why Is Zimbabwe Simultaneously Exporting And Importing Wheat</h3>
For the past two decades, Zimbabwe has been blending imported wheat from Russia, Canada, and Australia with local wheat to produce bread flour. Blending occurs at various points in the supply chain, taking into account factors such as the original grain quality, desired final product quality, and contractual obligations. Zimbabwe imports approximately 30% of its total hard wheat requirements to blend different varieties and produce high-quality flour for delicious, long-lasting bread, according to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tafadzwa_Musarara/">Tafadzwa Musarara</a>, Chairman of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
The quality of our local wheat is good, compared to the regional wheat and it is doing well in the production of biscuits and a number of other products. In relation to bread, we have to mix varieties to give us good durable bread such as Russian wheat flour.
</blockquote>
The National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe (NBAZ) recently expressed concerns about the quality of locally produced wheat. According to NBAZ Vice President Sharon Maparura, the desired ratio is roughly 70% local wheat and 30% imported wheat, but shortages of foreign currency for importing blending wheat often result in a higher proportion of local wheat, impacting flour quality. This requires additional costs for enzymes and additives, ultimately affecting consumers.
Tafadzwa Musarara noted that instances of poor-quality local wheat in Zimbabwe are rare and usually caused by limited water for irrigation during wheat production.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Why Zimbabwe Is Simultaneously Exporting And Importing Wheat

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 said that the country has saved up to US$300 million in import costs following a record wheat harvest in 2022 of over 375 000 tonnes.
Mnangagwa made the remarks during a roundtable meeting on Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt, on the sidelines of the African Development Bank annual meetings. He said:
<blockquote>
I am pleased to highlight that Zimbabwe is now food secure.
We are self-sufficient in wheat production, since 2022, saving up to US$300 million dollars annually, in import costs.
A maize bumper harvest, attributed to favourable rainfall, increased irrigation capacity and agronomy support all supported by Government programmes, is now the norm.
Pfumvudza/Intwasa Climate Proofed agriculture, a model focusing on the efficient use of inputs, labour and water resources among small-scale and communal farmers has had tremendous results on household food security, nutrition and incomes.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe requires about 360 000 tonnes of wheat annually to ensure an adequate supply of flour for bread and confectionery.
This year, the Government is targetting 85 000 hectares, compared to 80 388 hectares planted in 2022.
In Zimbabwe, wheat is grown entirely under irrigation in the winter and is therefore not affected by rainfall patterns so long as the rainfall is adequate to fill up the dams which supply the irrigation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Saved US$300 Million After Record Wheat Harvest - Mnangagwa

ZESA Holdings says it has ring-fenced 120MW for the 2023 winter wheat season to ensure that the country attains the Government’s target of 85000 hectares.
In a statement, the power utility also said it has established support groups for winter wheat farmers where they can report faults so that they are fixed expeditiously. ZESA said:
<blockquote>
Subsequent to the recent update on the power supply situation on 25 April 2023, ZESA Holdings is pleased to announce that mechanisms have been put in place to guarantee electricity supply to all the Winter Wheat Farmers across the country.
The utility is cognisant of its role and expectations in powering this sector to achieve wheat self-sufficiency and meet the Government’s target of 85000 Hectares for the year 2023.
Accordingly, the utility has put in place the requisite modalities to ring-fence 120MW towards this national initiative.
Furthermore, in a bid to minimize the duration of power outages due to network faults throughout the season, the utility has established support groups for winter wheat farmers for effective communication and expeditious resolution of faults.
Wheat farmers are urged to join these groups through their cluster leadership.
Our National Contact Centre will be available for the continuous and timeous support of farmers throughout the season.
</blockquote>
In 2022, Zimbabwe registered its largest wheat harvest, 375 000 tonnes, making the country self-sufficient.
The harvest in 2022 was 13% higher than the previous year, breaking a half-century-old record.
Zimbabwe has been one of the few African countries to attain self-sufficiency in wheat production.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Allocates 120MW To Winter Wheat Farmers

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 has made arrangements with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to ensure that winter wheat farmers have adequate electricity and water respectively.
This was said by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary John Basera on Wednesday.
Basera was speaking at the Mashonaland East wheat planting preparedness discussion day in Marondera. He said:
<blockquote>
The issue of power has been thoroughly assessed and discussed with ZESA. Ring-fencing of power for wheat farmers is guaranteed.
We are going to have sufficient power for wheat-producing farmers. We are Going4Growth and we must have wheat and flour self-sufficiency at all costs.
Uninterrupted electricity and water supply will change the dynamics of wheat farming in the country.
</blockquote>
Basera, however, urged farmers to pay their outstanding debts to ZESA so that the power utility will be able to guarantee electricity supply.
The recommended sowing period for wheat is early April to the end of May and planting has commenced in areas such as Mashonaland West.
The <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/power-water-boost-for-winter-wheat">Sunday Mail</a> reported that an estimated 85 000 hectares will be put under winter wheat this year for a targetted output of 408 000 tonnes.
If that is achieved, it will surpass last year’s record of 380 000 tonnes.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA To Prioritise Winter Wheat Farmers

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"

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

Harare North lawmaker <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Allan_Markham">Allan Norman Markham</a> has demanded that the ministers of agriculture and finance give reasons behind the delayed payment of wheat farmers two months after delivering produce.
He made the remarks while raising a point of national interest last Thursday in parliament, according to Open Parly.
Markham said delayed payment may affect preparation for next season. He said:
<blockquote>
My point of national interest is requesting a statement from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement and the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. 
Currently, we are aware that the Government has yielded and received 255.000 tonnes of wheat. 
That has been in stock now for nearly two months and no wheat farmer that I am aware of has been paid anything yet. 
Wheat farmers are due to receive $200 to $220 per tonne and also ZWL 255.000 but none of this has been paid.
I think it is a matter of national importance that this House asks for a statement from the Minister as to the delay in payment.
</blockquote>
Furthermore, Markham expressed concern over reports that farmers were expected to pay for storage and marketing of the produce because the Government cannot pay them. 
Wheat is among the grain on the controlled produce list that restricts farmers to sell the produce to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Grain_Marketing_Board">Grain Marketing Board</a> or contractor who has financed production.
Earlier in the year the government complained about side marketing by farmers insisting it would cause food insecurity.
The further payment delays to  wheat farmers may result into a shortage of the produce or a rise in price especially considering that there is wheat shortage on the global market due to the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/ukraines-foreign-minister-putin-launched-full-scale-invasion-well-defend-and-win/">Russia-Ukraine war which began in February this year. </a>
Markham added that the delay will push the farmer to borrow in the financial sector with the highest lending rate in the world.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

MP Demands Answers On Why "No Wheat Farmer Has Been Paid Anything Yet"

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

Zimbabwe has achieved a record wheat harvest as farmers had delivered 326 687 tonnes to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as of Friday morning.
Before this year’s output, the highest-ever wheat output since commercial production began in the 1960s was 325 000 tonnes realised in 1990.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/wheat-record-broken">The Sunday Mail</a> that the set target of 380 000 tonnes for the 2022 winter wheat season is still attainable. He said:
<blockquote>
After some assessments, we project that we should get at least 380 000 tonnes of the cereal, which is 20 000 tonnes more than the national requirement.
The preparations had been so good and it seems we have managed to achieve our goal. What is left are the final actual statistics, but it all points to a remarkable season.
</blockquote>
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, John Basera, said veld fires and early rains have not affected the set targets.
Last week, Cabinet indicated that 3 980 hectares had been damaged by rains, with the largest hectarage of 3 225 being in Mashonaland West province.
Meanwhile, Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services chief director Obert Jiri said that farmers are facing several challenges. He said:
<blockquote>
As of November 25, wheat delivered to GMB depots stood at 326 687 tonnes, almost 89 percent (of the target).
Harvesting is still going on but our farmers are facing challenges to deliver the grain to GMB due to transport logistics, challenges of high moisture content due to the rains and late payments of initial deliveries.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe Records Highest-ever Wheat Harvest

Farmers have been urged to expedite the harvesting of winter wheat as the rains currently pounding most parts of the country could seriously affect wheat quality.
Zimbabwe is expecting a bumper wheat harvest but agricultural Rural Development Services chief director Obert Jiri revealed that to date, only 35 per cent of the winter wheat has been harvested. Said Jiri:
<blockquote>
There is no advantage to keeping winter wheat in the fields because its quality will be reduced. In fact, it will not become wheat if rains fall on it.
So, we expect wheat farmers to really expedite harvesting because all the wheat in the country is now dry.
At the moment there are lighter rains, but if rains persist, this will definitely affect the quality of the wheat.
So we are appealing for every combine harvester in the country to be deployed and mobilised for wheat harvesting.
We are at about 30%-35% in terms of our wheat harvesting. We have so far harvested 29 000 hectares out of 137 000 hectares out there.
Because of the rains, we expect harvesting to be fast so that we can move into the summer planting season without incurring any major losses.
</blockquote>
The President of the Senate, Mabel Chinomona, who also planted wheat this year, said the quality of the wheat has not yet been affected but the rains but warned that things can go south at any moment. She said:
<blockquote>
We are now self-sufficient in terms of wheat. So we encourage the government to make sure that winter wheat is harvested across the country to avoid losses.
We have enough wheat, but it just needs to be harvested on time. Yes, we experienced rain, but it was not that serious.
</blockquote>
Recently, Agriculture ministry secretary John Bhasera said the country has a surplus of over 100 000 tonnes of wheat. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003217/rains-threaten-wheat-harvesting">NewsDay</a>

Rains Threaten Winter Wheat Quality

The government says the country will attain wheat self-sufficiency this year for the first time in almost two decades.
Zimbabwe consumes about 360 000 tonnes of wheat annually but the country has been importing the grain due to depressed local production.
The country expects to harvest 380 000 tonnes of wheat this year against an annual consumption of about 360 000 tonnes, generating a 20 000 tonnes surplus.
Addressing the media in Harare on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the country is expecting “a bumper harvest” from the 2022 winter wheat crop. She said:
<blockquote>
For the first time in our country since 2004, we have never had such a bumper harvest of wheat. We are looking at high yields.
We are not yet looking at exporting but we are happy that what we are producing this year will cover more than a year of consumption. That is good.
We will also have some in reserve but the issue of export is not yet discussed. We don’t need to import wheat.
</blockquote>
Wheat is grown entirely under irrigation during the winter season in Zimbabwe.
In 2022 more than 80 000 hectares of agricultural land was put under wheat production nationwide, with many new farmers venturing into the sector. | <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/zimbabwe-expects-to-be-wheat-self-sufficient-for-first-time-since-2004/">SABC News</a>

Zimbabwe Expects "Bumper Harvest" Of Wheat

Wheat valued at close to US$800 000 was destroyed by fire in 20 separate incidents last week, with authorities and farmers putting the blame on arsonists in most of the cases.
Agritex extension officers deployed to assess the damage caused by the fires noted that most of the fires started inside the wheat fields thus pointing to possible sabotage.
Chief director for Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services, Obert Jiri, said:
<blockquote>
After our extension officers’ inspections, it was clear that in most cases, the fires were not from the veld but started infield, pointing to possible sabotage, and we want our farmers to be on the lookout.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director, Paul Zakariya, said the high number of wheat fields that have been affected by fires this year is unusual. Said Zakariya:
<blockquote>
This is the first-ever season we have had such high numbers of fires in wheat fields.
There is suspicion that some disgruntled elements might want to disrupt the projected bumper harvest.
We need to act collectively to counter such people.
</blockquote>
Pieter Gertenbach, a Mvurwi farmer, lost a 35-hectare wheat field to fire at his Pembi Chase Farm.
The crop was supported by the Presidential Inputs Scheme and Gertenbach believes the fire was an act of sabotage. He said:
<blockquote>
This is an act of sabotage, no doubt about it. Some people are deliberately trying to fight the President’s efforts to improve agriculture.
This was not a wild veld fire that started out of nowhere; the fire started from within the field.
</blockquote>
Benedict Chagumuka of Machewe Farm in Mvurwi who lost 15 hectares of wheat to a fire last week also claimed the fire started in the middle of the field. He said:
<blockquote>
The fire started in the middle of the field. After inspecting the field, I could tell the source of the fire. Sadly, I did not have insurance for the crop.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/fire-destroys-us800k-wheat">The Sunday Mail</a>

Fire Destroys US$800k Wheat, Farmers Blame Saboteurs

Matabeleland South’s biggest irrigation scheme, ARDA Antelopes is counting losses after a veld fire that broke out on Friday, spreading into the farm and destroying a part of the seed crop.
Estate Manager, Aleck Chinyayi told <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/veld-fire-destroys-arda-antelope-wheat/">ZBCnews</a> that the fire broke out in the morning and destroyed a seed crop with an estimated value of US$5 000. Chinyayi said:
<blockquote>
A fire just broke out across the fence and because the wheat is ready for harvest it didn’t take time for it to catch fire and we had to rush with the workers and put it out, we have lost almost a hectare of the seed crop.
</blockquote>
This is happening when Zimbabwe is in serious need of locally-produced wheat to cover the deficit that was caused by Russia/Ukraine war which interrupted international trade.
Meanwhile, Mukunjulelwa Ndlovu, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water Fisheries and Rural Development, Acting Provincial Director has urged farmers to guard against fire. Ndlovu said:
<blockquote>
This is a seed crop that is going to help us increase our area of wheat next season and farmers need to be on the lookout for fire incidences as they can destroy the crop at the critical stage.
</blockquote>
ARDA Antelope is one of the biggest irrigation schemes in Matabeleland South province with over 500 hectares under commercial wheat, 180 hectares of wheat seed, and 56 hectares of potatoes.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Veld Fire Destroys Wheat In A Matabeleland South Irrigation

Zimbabwe for the first time since 2005 expects to have wheat which is enough to meet the country’s demand. The Southern African country expects to harvest over 300 000 tonnes this year.
Cabinet claimed Tuesday that over 66 000 hectares were put to wheat this year, the third-highest hectarage since Independence. Speaking during a Post Cabinet Media briefing in Harare, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>
The nation is being informed that following a successful wheat season, Zimbabwe is anticipating a volume of more than 300 000 metric tonnes of the cereal, against a national annual requirement of 360 000 metric tonnes. 
This is on the backdrop of the current national wheat stocks which stand at 70 000 metric tonnes, making Zimbabwe wheat self-sufficient for the first time since 2005.
</blockquote>
The expected produce will see Zimbabwe only reducing the quantity of imported wheat as it still needs to import some of its wheat. 
To produce the quality of bread sold by most large bakeries, millers have to blend local wheat, which they describe as “dense”, with imported wheat. One miller said:
<blockquote>
We will still import some wheat, but this time only for blending. We also need to import ingredients such as packaging, fats, enzymes, gluten, calcium and premixes.
</blockquote>
This year, farmers were hit by an outbreak of quelea birds, which farmers say may affect output.
Previously, harvesting was hit by a shortage of combine harvesters, a challenge that farmers’ unions say will be addressed this year.
 Wheat harvests are expected to end in November.
More: <a href="https://newzwire.live/for-the-first-time-in-16-years-zimbabwe-expects-to-meet-national-wheat-needs/">NewZWire</a>

Zimbabwe Expects Enough Wheat For The First Time Since 2005

The Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) revealed that less than 10% of land earmarked for this year’s winter wheat farming season has been planted.
ZCFU president Shadreck Makombe expressed hope that by the first week of June all farmers would have finished planting. Said Makombe:
<blockquote>In the meantime preparations are going on, planting is going on.
Everything being equal, planting was supposed to be finished by the second week of May. We are behind schedule as it stands; only 6 000 hectares have been planted.
It is encouraged that we plant in May. By next week most farmers should have it done.
Makombe said that the wheat price of ZWL$1 089,68 per tonne was good when it was announced but has since been reduced to nothing by runaway inflation.</blockquote>
He added that it would be prudent that the producer price is fixed in US dollars.
The erratic supply of electricity by the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is a cause for concern by the farmers, the ZFCU boss added.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/05/winter-wheat-preps-behind-schedule-zcfu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Newsday</a></h4>

Winter Wheat Farming Season In Slow Start

Responding to questions from journalists after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Acting Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said Zimbabwe has enough wheat to cover the next four months.
Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>The country has enough wheat reserves to cover the next four months. There was an issue that needed to be resolved which had to do with pricing from the Grain Marketing Board to the millers and that was effectively dealt with today and we hope GMB will be given the directions. There is no need to look for foreign currency at the moment when it comes to procuring wheat because we have enough wheat. They will be getting wheat from GMB.</blockquote>
The Grain Millers’- Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) yesterday said Zimbabwe’s wheat supply situation has stabilised over the past few months as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has been consistent in foreign currency allocations to the sector.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/wheat-stocks-enough-no-need-for-forex/">Chronicle</a>

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