The ManicaPost
Chipo Katsidzira Farming Correspondent
THE decision by Government to review upwards the producer price of maize and small grains for the 2019/20 season has been applauded by farmers’ organisations, arguing the new arrangement ensure farmers get a return on their investments.
The farmers justified the hike citing the high cost of inputs.
Government increased the producer prices for maize and small grains to cushion farmers in line with the current economic environment characterised by increasing inflation.
This was also aimed at motivating famers to deliver their produce to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
The producer prices for maize and traditional grains namely sorghum, millet and rapoko has been increased from $2 100 to $4 000.
The Zimbabwe Famers Union (ZFU) Manicaland provincial manager Mr Daniel Mungazi said the move was good.
Mr Mungazi said there was need to continuously review the producer price upwards given the high cost of inputs such as seed, fertilisers and chemicals.
“The move by Government is quiet noble and was expected by farmers. This shows an effort to appreciate the value of grains in our country for food security reasons. It also gives hope to farmers who are into maize and other small grains ahead of the 2019/20 season. The price adjustments by other buyers need to follow this trend or pace,” he said.
Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) Director Mr Ben Gilpin said farmers were happy with the increase.
He admitted, however, that it will be a challenge to buy inputs for the 2019/20 cropping season.
“The time between delivery and payment is long, meaning the pegged amount might not be enough by the time the farmer is paid. This season is likely to be a real challenge given the high cost of diesel for land preparation and ongoing power shortages for irrigation. There have also been some significant losses due to drought and diseases,” he said.
Zimbabwe National Farmers Union president Mrs Monica Chinamasa applauded Government for increasing the producer prices, but bemoaned the high cost of inputs that farmers need for this farming season.
“We appreciate the increase of the producer prices because the low prices were now meaningless. This is what should obtain as regards to commodity prices. It is impossible to contemplate how we are going to recapitalise or maintain agricultural sustainability this farming season because inputs are now expensive,” she said.
Apart from the new producer price, Government has also set up facilities through the Command Agriculture scheme for maize and soya bean, mainly targeted at A2 farmers.
There is also the Presidential Inputs Scheme meant to enable smallholder farmers become food secure as well as address nutritional requirements at household level.
