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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
THE government has so far released $42,626 million for grain procurement from farmers through the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
The government has set the buying price for maize at $390 per tonne.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Permanent Secretary Ringson Chitsiko yesterday said government was committed to ensuring that all delivered grain is paid for and encouraged farmers to deliver their maize and small grains directly to GMB depots.

“The government has so far released $42,626 million for farmer payments as at September 18, 2014. This funding covers the period 1 April, 2014 to 29 July 2014,” said Chitsiko.

He encouraged farmers to continue delivering maize and small grains so that the country meets its food security targets.
The permanent secretary said 178,948 metric tonnes had been delivered to GMB depots throughout the country, a significant increase from last year.

“This is 542 percent more than the quantity delivered during the same period last year. Last year’s deliveries were only 27, 890 metric tonnes. Treasury must be commended for mobilising resources towards grain procurement,” added Chitsiko.

He said farmers should purchase UV protected grain storage bags that meet the required standards and reduce post-harvest loses.
The bags are available at various GMB depots at $0, 65 per bag and deliveries in new UV bags attract a refund of $0, 40 per bag.

Chitsiko said GMB would only accept maize that meets the required standards in terms of quality and moisture content.
“This is critical to ensure long term stability and minimal post-harvest losses,” he added.

Maize output is expected to reach one million tonnes this year, a 30 percent increase from last year’s production, according to earlier crop assessment by government.