By Kwedu News
Harare, Zimbabwe — Mkoba South Member of Parliament Honourable John Kuka, questioned the government’s handling of farmer payments during a pointed exchange with Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Anxious Masuka in Parliament recently.
Rising during the question-and-answer session, Honourable Kuka called attention to the delayed payments to farmers who delivered their maize to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), a recurring concern that has sparked frustration across farming communities.
“Farmers… delivered their maize… and have not yet been paid. What is the Ministry doing to ensure these hardworking Zimbabweans are compensated for their efforts?” Hon. Kuka asked.
In response, Minister Masuka acknowledged the delays but assured Parliament that payments were being processed.
He attributed the backlogs to budgetary constraints and ongoing verification processes.
“As of now, over 90% of maize delivered to the GMB has been paid for. Outstanding payments are being finalised,” Minister Masuka said.
Unmoved, Kuka pressed further, questioning the timeline and transparency of the payment process.
“How are we supposed to encourage agricultural productivity when the farmer cannot even trust the system to pay them on time?” he challenged.
Minister Masuka reiterated that the government is committed to honouring its obligations and emphasized the role of Treasury in the release of funds.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms intended to make the GMB more efficient and responsive.
The exchange, which exposes the growing pressure on the government to support farmers more effectively ahead of the upcoming agricultural harvest season.
Stakeholders in the farming sector have warned that continued payment delays could discourage maize production and threaten food security in the country
