The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has confirmed receiving fresh financial support from Treasury amounting to ZIG60 million and US$5 million, earmarked for settling outstanding payments owed to farmers.
The development comes as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the agricultural sector and ensure producers are compensated on time, a key concern that has affected confidence in recent seasons.
In a statement, the parastatal indicated that the latest funding injections, which were released in two instalments over the past fortnight, will primarily be directed towards speeding up payments for wheat deliveries made to the GMB. This intervention is expected to improve cash flow for farmers and enable them to better prepare for upcoming planting cycles.
“The Grain Marketing Board is delighted to announce receipt of ZWG60 million and USD5 million from the Treasury, representing consecutive disbursements over the past two weeks, for timely payments to farmers,” the statement read.
The GMB further highlighted that with this latest allocation, cumulative payments for wheat deliveries have now reached ZIG250 million and US$30 million.
This marks a significant step in addressing payment backlogs and reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that farmers are not financially strained after delivering their produce.
According to the Board, the disbursement offers much-needed relief to farmers while underscoring the government’s continued prioritisation of agriculture as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy.
Reliable funding and timely payments are seen as essential to sustaining production levels and maintaining national food security.
“The Board extends its gratitude to the Hon. Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, for his tireless efforts in securing Treasury support. GMB remains dedicated to partnering with farmers to achieve national grain self-sufficiency,” the statement added.
The payment follows assurances made to farmers last week that, beginning with the new grain marketing season on April 1, payments will be processed within 30 days of delivery.
If implemented effectively, this measure could restore trust between producers and the GMB while encouraging higher output.
The Government is targeting the procurement of approximately 500 000 tonnes for the strategic grain reserve, with plans to gradually increase national stock levels to over 1.5 million tonnes in the medium term.
New Ziana
