Wheat farmers laud govt
LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
Wheat farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to only pay in US dollars for wheat delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), believing this will ensure the industry’s sustainability, Business Times can report.
The move is a departure from the government’s previously implemented split ratio method, which compelled GMB to pay farmers 75% in US dollars and 25% in the local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.
Government announced last week that the farmers will now get US$450 per tonne for the standard wheat and US$470 per tonne for the premium grade.
“We are happy with these new developments but what is left is for the government to ensure quick payment for the farmers to step up 2024/2025 summer cropping season preparations,” Agriculturalist and former Zimbabwe National Farmers Union executive Edward Dune told Business Times.
According to Dr. Shadreck Makombe, president of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union, farmers were given exclusive US dollar payments by the government as a response to their pleas.
“We tabled our grievances [that the 25% portion paid in local currency was losing value] and the authorities solved them perfectly as we wanted,” Dr Makombe said.
Given the current standing of the wheat in the fields, the country is projected to harvest a new national record of 600 000 tonnes against last season’s record of 468 000 tonnes.
