THE government has pledged to pay service providers timely, particularly transporters, to ensure the smooth movement of grain to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
Cabinet approved the Update on the 2025-26 Summer Crops Marketing and 2026 Winter Crops Production Plan, presented by Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development minister Anxious Masuka yesterday.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Zhemu Soda said total grain stocks held by the GMB as of June 17 stood at 169 946 tonnes, comprising maize, traditional grains and wheat.
He said farmers and service providers, especially transporters, would be paid promptly throughout the marketing season.
“GMB has received 40 693,28 metric tonnes of grain from Arda and substantial deliveries from communal farmers for the Strategic Grain Reserve,” he said.
“GMB also plans to aggregate grain from farmers through its 1 804 collection points and 89 depots, while offering storage services to clients, thereby providing a convenient and cost-effective solution.
“The board will also introduce an in-transit grain storage facility to enhance Zimbabwe’s grain import and supply chains.”
On winter wheat production, Soda said 128 459 hectares were planted, exceeding the target of 125 000 hectares by 3%.
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“Arda has planted 59 880 hectares, representing 92% of its target. The target for barley remains 6 500 hectares, while Irish potatoes are targeted at 9 000 hectares, with an expected production of 243 850 metric tonnes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Soda said this year's Heroes Day commemorations would be held on August 10 under the theme, Lest We Forget.
He said the Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage ministry completed updating the register of national heroes and heroines.
“The total number of fallen heroes now stands at 254, with four comrades — Petros Khumalo, Shumirai Wekwete, Joseph Zethi Dube and Herbert Zaba Sambo — having been declared heroes posthumously,” he said.
“As part of the 2026 commemorations, the ministry has embarked on phase two of the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe Liberation War heritage sites in Mozambique and Zambia.”
Under the programme, the government is focusing on four sites in Mozambique — Tembue, Nyangao, Doroi and Chicualacuala — while completing work at six sites in Zambia: Freedom Camp, Nampundwe, Mkushi, Mlungushi, Kavalamanja and St Mary's Kabwe.
“The ministry also plans to commence work at the Boma site in Angola, where a cenotaph bearing a roll of honour will be constructed, alongside a mass grave, ablution facilities and perimeter fence,” Soda said.
