by Christopher Makaza

Farmers across the country have welcomed the introduction of farmers' medical aid scheme by the grain marketing board (GMB) saying the scheme will go a long way in assisting them in times of sickness when they have no money.

GMB corporate communication officer Mr Joseph Katete confirmed that his organisation now had a medical aid scheme for farmers under Agrimed.

"We introduced the medical aid scheme for farmers under Agrimed which started as an in house scheme for GMB workers in 2000 before we recently expanded it to cover our farmers," he said.

"Speaking to Harare Post, Cotton Producers and Marketers Association Chairperson Stewart Mubonderi hailed GMB's move citing that it will improve the well-being of farmers.

"Agrimed is flexible in that it allows farmers to contribute a small percentage that is taken from their earnings from grain deliveries which will cover one's medical aid for one year. Although the scheme is not compulsory, as an association we urge farmers to consider it. We have problems with farmers who fail to get medical assistance in time because of lack of money at the time of sickness, so it's proper to prepare for those circumstances.

"The farming sector needs healthy farmers with peace of mind in order to grow. Farmers also need to seek medical attention in time so as to stay healthy," he said.

GMB also offers farmer hospital cash plan which looks at the farm workers should they get injured on the farm, the hospital cash plan will take care of that. They are working with Zimbabwe Farmers Union, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union, traditional leaders and others in their campaign to reach a good number of rural farmers.