Zimbabwean farmers have so far received US$37 million and ZiG329 million from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), as Treasury continues releasing funds to clear payments for grain delivered to the state.
GMB said the latest US$5 million Treasury allocation was received on August 13, a day after the Government released another US$5 million and ZiG40 million.
The latest disbursements bring cumulative payments to farmers to US$37 million and ZiG329 million, according to the GMB.
The payments come as the Government seeks to maintain confidence among grain producers and sustain agricultural production following deliveries to the state grain buyer.
GMB said the funding would have a positive impact on the agricultural sector by giving farmers resources to reinvest in their farming operations.
“This funding by the Government brings positive impact on the agricultural sector, as farmers will be able to invest in their agribusiness, a key sector driving Zimbabwe's economy,” the board said.
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The latest payments also underline the importance of Treasury support to GMB's ability to meet its obligations to farmers, particularly as the Government pursues national grain self-sufficiency and food security targets.
GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai thanked Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Anxious Masuka for his efforts in securing Treasury support.
The continued flow of funds will be closely watched by farmers, particularly given the importance of timely payments to their ability to purchase inputs, settle production costs and prepare for the next agricultural season.
For the Government, ensuring that farmers are paid on time is not only a financial obligation but also a food security imperative. Delayed payments can constrain farmers' working capital and potentially undermine production in subsequent seasons.
GMB said it remains committed to working with farmers to achieve national grain self-sufficiency.
The latest disbursements therefore provide some relief to producers, but the scale and timing of future Treasury releases will determine how quickly outstanding farmer obligations can be cleared and whether payment certainty can be sustained throughout the marketing season.
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