To date farmers have delivered a total of 123 306 metric tonnes of grain to the board, but most of the farmers have not received a cent from the parastatal.
Farmers who spoke to The Zimbabwean this week said they would not be able to buy agricultural inputs for the next farming season if GMB failed to secure payment for the farmers in the next few weeks.
“I delivered my maize to the GMB depot in Bulawayo in June and I have not received anything from them. The last time I inquired about payment two weeks ago, I was told that they are still waiting for treasurer to release more funds. Now I am stranded because I want to buy inputs for the coming agricultural season,” said Petros Ndlovu, a farmer in Umguza.
Another farmer, Sam Ndoro, said he delivered his maize crop to GMB in July and he had not received anything for the delivery.
“Suppliers of inputs have got a tendency of hiking prices for farming inputs when we are approaching agricultural seasons. The delay in paying has affected my farming preparations for this season. I need cash to pay workers as well as to hire tractors to prepare my land,” he said.
GMB general manager, Albert Mandizha, admitted that his organisation was facing challenges in paying farmers for grain delivered.
“Additional funding for deliveries made from June 30 to date amounting to 100 514 422 metric tonnes valued at US$28, 7 million is now required,” he said.
Post published in: News