Published: 30 July 2013

THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has increased the maize producer price to $378,68 per metric tonne up from last season's $295 in a bid to persuade reluctant maize farmers to deliver the crop to the parastatal's depots across the country.

The new price for the 2013/14 marketing season represents a 28% increase although the GMB has been paying an interim price of $310 per metric tonne.

Following the new price announcement, the board said it was expecting an upsurge in maize deliveries to its 84 depots.

Zimbabwe has experienced a serious maize deficit, forcing it to import grain.

In April this year President Robert Mugabe said the country was going to import 150 000 metric tonnes of maize from Zambia.

The announcement followed reports that the country could face food shortages after erratic rains this season. 
- newsday

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