Maize farmers in Mashonaland West are struggling financially as the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has yet to pay for deliveries made earlier this year.
Delays are worst in Banket, Murombedzi, and Sanyati, leaving farmers unable to buy essential seeds and fertiliser, and threatening the next planting season.
Nicholas Mayambo, a farmer who delivered five tonnes of maize to the Banket GMB depot in April, expressed his frustration. He said:
“GMB promised to pay within 14 working days, but nothing has materialised.
“It’s been months, and I’m still waiting for my money despite their repeated assurances.”
Lovemore Madzima, a farmer from Zvimba, echoed similar concerns, citing a lack of transparency and clear timelines from the GMB for settling the arrears. Said Madzima:
“GMB is not being transparent about the payment process. With the next planting season just around the corner, we’re struggling to prepare.”
GMB’s public relations manager, Nixon Kanyemba, was unable to provide details on the number of farmers affected or the total value of unpaid maize deliveries, instead referring inquiries to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Obert Jiri, offered only general assurances that payments would be made as funds become available, a response farmers say does little to ease their immediate financial pressures.
More: The Standard
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