Story by John Nhandara
Farmers have so far delivered over 60 000 metric tonnes of grain to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) including maize, traditional grains, sunflower and soya bean.
The country has so far registered a 50 per cent increase in grain deliveries after farmers delivered more than 62 000 metric tonnes of grain to the Grain Marketing Board as of this Friday, compared to just below 42 000 metric tonnes during the same period last season.
The Grain Marketing Board has also paid farmers a total of ZW$23 billion and eight million United States dollars.
“Currently, we have received 62 000 metric tonnes and this is a growth of 52 per cent from the previous season. In terms of payments, we have paid ZW$23 billion and US$8,1 million. We hope we will have more grain as August is the peak period,” noted GMB chief executive officer, Dr Edson Badarai.
GMB has also opened 700 buying points for the convenience of farmers, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Meanwhile, the country’s strategic grain reserves stand at 252 945 metric tonnes and can last for up to five months.
