THE Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has begun paying farmers outstanding payments for crops delivered, clearing 74,8% and 88,8% of the ZiG and United States dollar amounts owed, respectively, as the government wants 956 350 metric tonnes of winter cereals produced.
GMB has faced criticism for delaying paying farmers after they would have made deliveries, severely impacting their ability to fund their operations.
However, given that the government has increased targets for cereal crops that include maize, sorghum, finger and pearl millet, wheat, and barley, the authorities are now seeking to clear outstanding payments.
“Regarding the strategic grain reserve, the Grain Marketing Board holds 166 894 metric tonnes,” the eighth post-Cabinet Press briefing statement read for a meeting held on Tuesday.
“Additionally, GMB managed to pay 88,8% of USD and 74,8% of ZiG amounts owed to farmers, and current outstanding balance payments stand at US$4,1 million and ZiG90 million.”
In its submissions to cabinet, the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry reported that an estimated 1,9 million hectares (ha) is planted with maize, 343 661ha (sorghum), 216 615ha (pearl millet), and 30 645ha (finger millet).
Keep Reading
- Police, soldiers to raid maize hoarders
- Deputy minister in GMB theft scandal
- Private sector makes inroads into wheat production
- Police, soldiers to raid maize hoarders
“Concerning marketing arrangements, five categories were considered for the 2025/26 selling season. GMB is expected to purchase commodities financed under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa),” read the post-Cabinet brief.
“Contractors will buy grain financed under contract at market prices; self-financed farmers are expected to sell to the best advantage market; ARDA will sell to GMB to replenish the SGR, while the balance will be sold to the best market.”
The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange is also expected to provide a warehouse receipt system and support a market trading platform for agricultural commodities.
GMB will utilise 1 804 collections points and its 89 depots around the country for collecting and storing grain this season.
“Regarding the winter cropping season for 2026, the average national dam level capacity stands at 93,2%, with Mashonaland Central dam levels ranking the lowest at 66,4% among the 10 provinces,” the cabinet brief read.
“Government is targeting to produce 956 350 metric tonnes of winter cereals on 140 500 hectares; 662 500 metric tonnes of winter wheat over a combined 125 000 hectares for all provinces; 50 000 metric tonnes of barley on 6 500 hectares; and 243 850 metric tonnes of Irish potato on 9 500 hectares.”
GMB will also provide an “in-transit storage facility” to enhance grain imports and overall moderation of consumer prices across the country.