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Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has started putting in place dryers at its depots to enable it to dry and store grains delivered to it with higher moisture content than the specified standards. GMB northern region manager Mr Felton Kamambo said they are starting with wheat depots and the exercise will extend to all its depots.

Last year, some farmers had their grains rejected at GMB depots for high moisture content, resulting in them losing their grain to unscrupulous buyers.

Speaking at an open day event at their Guruve GMB Depot, Mr Kamambo said no grain will be turned away this year.
“Last year, we had a challenge of many farmers having their grain turned away due to high moisture content, resulting in unscrupulous buyers taking advantage of the situation,” said Mr Kamambo.
“We want to start placing dryers at wheat depots, but the excise will extend to all our depots.

“Stacker machines are also available and maize should remain at their respective depots for easy access in case of a drought.
“We have bought plenty of moisture testers and farmers can get an officer at GMB, who test their grain in their field or home, free of charge to avoid transport costs.”

GMB quality assurance officer Ms Happiness Dondo said storing grains with a high level of moisture content leads to grain quality deterioration.
“At GMB, we also use the traditional way of storing grains and I urge farmers to return to traditional ways of drying maize,” said Ms Dondo.

“Moisture content determination of crops which are combine harvested must be done in the field before harvesting and samples must be collected from the centre of the field and all bordering sides.
“For crops that are harvested and dried in cribs, samples must be collected at the centre and at least one metre deep.
“Collection of samples should be done mid-morning to ensure that the field and drying cribs are free of dew.”