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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 42402, member: 636"]
Government officials warn farmers against selling grain to dishonest buyers offering quick cash at low prices. Private buyers exploit desperate farmers who cannot transport harvests to distant Grain Marketing Board depots. These unscrupulous dealers target farmers with small grain volumes who need immediate money. Dr Anxious Masuka serves as Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. He told Parliament members that farmers should check prices before selling crops.

GMB pays 376 dollars per tonne for maize, millet, sorghum and other small grains. The board gives 70 percent payment through US dollars and 30 percent through local currency. Some buyers across Mashonaland West offer just 300 dollars per tonne for maize. Masuka advised farmers to reject these unfair offers and wait for GMB collection schedules. The ministry wants farmers to profit from their hard work rather than accept losses.

GMB increases collection points during harvest season to help farmers deliver grain easily. Collection centers operate at locations where people previously received social welfare food and presidential farming inputs. Mobile collection teams visit these ward-based points to purchase grain from local producers. Self-financed farmers can sell to any buyer but contract farmers must honor their agreements. The government expects to harvest 2,293,556 tonnes of maize and 634 tonnes of traditional grains this season.
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