Published: 14 April 2014

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has recorded a 59 percent decline in maize intake with the total of 47 000 metric tonnes received during the 2013/14 marketing season against a total of 131 000 metric tonnes during the previous season.

The GMB's maize intake continues to decline on the back of erratic climatic conditions, delayed inputs, late farmers payments and crop production shifts.

According to the recently released operational report by the parastatal, maize intake declined by 59 percent compared to the 2012/13 marketing season.

During the 2013/2014 marketing season, the strategic grain reserve stocks closed at 3 255 metric tonnes.

According to the report, cumulative payments for maize and small grain stood at $12,6 million while outstanding payments for the season under review were at $725 000.

The entity is projecting a sound performance during the current 2014 season on the back of the projected marketable surplus of maize based on the results of the crop forecasts for the 2014/15 season.

The GMB says it has approached the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) to raise sufficient resources through bills.

Funds from AMA will be channelled towards the purchase of grain, purchasing of grain bags and the rehabilitation of silos.

The government made a provision of $100 million for the GMB for the 2014/15 marketing season which is expected to assist the parastatal in the purchase of grain. 
- zbc

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