Published: 04 November 2013

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) said on Sunday it now owed wheat and maize farmers at least $3.2 million after paying part of the debt owed to them.

Government recently released at least $9 million to offset part of the debt owed by the GMB to farmers.

GMB general manager Albert Mandizha told New Ziana that before partly retiring the debt, the organization owed farmers $11,7 million.

"Government has availed $9,2 million towards clearing farmers' debts. We have paid farmers and we are now owing them a total of $3,7 million both wheat and maize," he said.

Mr Mandizha said of the outstanding balance, $2,5 million was owed to maize farmers whilst $1,2 million was owed to wheat farmers. He however lauded the new Zanu PF government for promoting agriculture.

"I am quite impressed and pleased for the farmers that have been paid it will enable them to prepare for the next season. This is quite commendable."

Government has been criticized by farmers in recent years over its failure to timeously pay farmers in time for their produce.

GMB's grain procurement scheme is wholly funded by Government to boost the Strategic Grain Reserve.


- New Ziana

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