Zimbabwe's Winter Wheat Farmers Face Payment Delays and Optimism for Exceeding 13 000-Heactare Target

Strategic Insights -

As the winter wheat season is already upon us, Zimbabwe's farmers are facing a pressing concern: delayed payments from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) for last year's deliveries. Despite this, farmers are optimistic about exceeding this year's 13 000-hectare target, yielding 4.5 tonnes per hectare to produce 58 500 tonnes. Nationally, 120 000 hectares are targeted for wheat farming.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zimbabwe's winter wheat farmers are facing payment delays from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) for last year's deliveries, which may force them to scale down on wheat planting.
  • Despite payment delays, farmers are optimistic about exceeding this year's 13 000-hectare target, yielding 4.5 tonnes per hectare to produce 58 500 tonnes.
  • Nationally, 120 000 hectares are targeted for wheat farming, with winter wheat season already underway.
  • Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director, Mr. Paul Zakariya, confirmed that wheat farmers contracted by the Food Contractors Association have received their payments, while GMB still owes a few farmers.
  • GMB received US$5 million for wheat payments, bringing the total payments to US$23 million and ZiG215 million.
  • Middle Sabi Farmers Association chairman, Mr. Skumbuzo Todhlana, raised concerns about late payments, which risk dampening the morale of farmers who are ready for the season.
  • Headlands farmer, Mr. Tedious Nyikayaramba, is optimistic about the upcoming season and is putting final preparations for planting 40 hectares of winter wheat.

Statistics:

  • 13 000 hectares are targeted for winter wheat farming in the province.
  • Nationally, 120 000 hectares are targeted for wheat farming, with a yield of 4.5 tonnes per hectare.
  • 58 500 tonnes of wheat are expected to be produced.
  • GMB received US$5 million for wheat payments, bringing the total payments to US$23 million and ZiG215 million.

Sources:

  • Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director, Mr. Paul Zakariya, as quoted in the article.
  • Grain Marketing Board (GMB) statement, as quoted in the article.
  • Middle Sabi Farmers Association chairman, Mr. Skumbuzo Todhlana, as quoted in the article.
  • Article published in [Source Not Provided, Please Provide Full Citation]