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Zimbabwean small-scale farmers have bemoaned delayed payment by companies that buy their produce arguing that they put their plans of preparing for the new farming season in disarray.
In Zimbabwe, small-scale farmers have always been the backbone of the country’s food production, producing a variety of crops including 70% of maize.
The failure to pay farmers on time by state entities such as the Grain Marketing Board [GMB] and Cotton Companies has adversely affected their capacity to produce while affecting their livelihoods.
Currently, GMB owes farmers ZWL $54 billion, which could affect preparations for the agricultural seasons.
Eunice Machata, who lives in the Gokwe, Nemangwe area which is known for producing cotton referred to as white gold in many circles had a similar predicament.
“l have since lost hope for a better future after failing to provide a decent meal for the family for a long time,” she said bitterly.
Farmers have raised complaints over delays in payment for GMB saying this has affected the preparations for next season. This disputes government assurance that GMB will pay farmers within 72 hours of grain delivery.
Everisto Mazhandu had this to say, “I am demoralized to sell my grain at GMB because l have not been paid my money since delivering. I cannot buy my agricultural inputs in preparation for the next farming season. l was promised 72 hours but it has turned to months.”
GMB Senior official said, we last paid the farmers who had delivered their grain on 8 July, since then, we have not been able to pay farmers due to the small amounts we are receiving from Treasury. We don’t know what the farmers will do but will pay according to the disbursements from the government.
Economist Gift Mugano said the current situation is unsustainable as the authorities are starving the economy to achieve stability.
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