Zimpapers Logo

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

Self-financed wheat farmers should be cleared first by Agritex and the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) to ensure they deliver their wheat and are paid by the Grain Marketing Board without being tempted to side-market their produce and avoid repaying those who lent them the money to raise the crop.

Most of such farmers were financed through loans by CBZ and AMA and were supposed to deliver the crop to the GMB, which will make the necessary deductions to pay those who lent them the money before paying out the rest to the farmers.

There are reports that some self-financed wheat farmers were complaining about GMB’s failure to pay for the crop promptly.

GMB chief executive Mr Rockie Mutenha yesterday said vetting was a requirement before payment to avoid side marketing and ensure that the contracted farmers did not avoid paying debts to their contractors.

“About 45 percent of the total crop we receive is from the self-financed farmers,” he said. “These farmers need vetting before claiming payments. If they get vetting they will come and collect their payments.”

Mr Mutenha said last week on Friday, GMB received $8 billion to pay farmers who were contracted by CBZ and AFC.

Former Zimbabwe National Farmers’ Union vice president Mr Edward Dune said side marketing was bad and it should be eradicated, adding that Government should put in policies to ensure that farmers should not opt for side marketing.

It was critical for farmers to get payments on time so that they prepare for the next season, he said.

“Side marketing is very bad,” said Mr Dune. “There is a need to look at the factors that are causing farmers to get into side marketing so that they can be addressed. Farmers are complaining that they are not getting their payments. Maybe they are not aware that they should be vetted first.”

Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo said it was crucial for farmers to get payments early so that they plan for the next season.

“Yes, farmers are complaining that they are not getting their payments,” she said. “It is crucial for farmers to get their payments early so that they are able to plan because farmers rely on farming as their business. If you sell there is a need to get money on time.”

For a premium grade, GMB is paying $268 048 a tonne plus US$220 per tonne, while standard grade receives $243 680 plus US$200 per tonne.

This season saw a record wheat hectare of over 78 000ha capable of producing over 380 000 tonnes of wheat.

This was a private sector and Government initiative that gave birth to the success story, which needs to be replicated in all sectors of the economy.

It also resonates well with the Government’s call for private players to fund production of 40 percent of their raw material needs.

The highest ever achieved wheat production output was 337 000 tonnes in 2021 from 66 434ha at an average yield of 5,07 tonnes per hectare.