Maize shortages allayed as GMB records increase in productivity

The Grain Marketing Board has received 178 948 tonnes of maize from farmers so far, indicating a 542 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Herald.

In a statement last week, the GMB said during the same period last year it bought 27 890 tonnes. The increase follows the release of US$42,6 million by Government to pay farmers for the grain.

The GMB is buying maize at US$390 per tonne and farmers are urged to deliver their maize and small grains directly to its depots countrywide.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Ringson Chitsiko, said Government would pay for all grain deliveries to the GMB.

"Government is committed to ensuring that all delivered grain will be paid for. We encourage farmers to continue delivering maize and small grains so that we meet our food security target," he said.

He said GMB would only accept maize that met quality and moisture content requirements.
Mr Chitsiko also encouraged farmers to purchase UV protection grain storage bags to reduce post-harvest losses.

The bags are available at GMB depots.
The country recorded a bumper harvest last season following good rains and President Mugabe's Input Support Scheme that benefited thousands of farmers.

Officially opening this year's agricultural show in Harare in August, President Mugabe said the country was set to attain national food self-sufficiency.