Zimbabwe maize deliveries leap 231%

An improved maize and small grains producer price has spurred deliveries of maize to the GMB by 231% when compared with the quantities delivered during the same period last year, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development permanent secretary Ringson Chitsiko has said.

He said a total of 40 060 metric tonnes of maize had been delivered to the GMB countrywide which is 231% increase on the amount of maize delivered during the same period last year.

Last year this time only 12 114 mt were delivered. Government also said it will not buy maize seed from private millers as it moves to protect small grain farmers.

Chitsiko said with immediate effect the Grain Marketing Board will not accept maize deliveries from grain traders bent on fleecing farmers of their hard earned money.

Maize farmers have been crying foul amid indications that private millers have slashed the producer price from $310 per tonne to $270.

Government also pledged to pay for maize delivered to the Grain Marketing Board within 60 days saying treasury had set aside $4.6 million for this year's grain maize.

GMB is buying Maize $390 per tonne.

Agriculture Mechanisation and Irrigation Development secretary, Ringson Chitsiko said in a statement the money would be paid through CBZ and Agribank.

On the outstanding payments for the previous season totaling $1,7 million, Chistiko said treasury was making efforts to settle them.