Harare, (New Ziana) – The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is currently holding strategic grain reserves of 166 894 metric tonnes, reflecting a stable supply position and improved national food security outlook.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda said the GMB has also made significant progress in settling payments to farmers, having paid 88.8 percent in United States dollars and 74.8 percent in ZiG, demonstrating ongoing efforts to support agricultural producers.
“Current outstanding balance payments stand at US$4.1 million and ZiG90 million. 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),” Soda said.
He said that contractors will buy grain financed under contract at prevailing market prices, ensuring viability for both parties, while self-financed farmers are expected to sell their produce at markets offering the best returns, promoting efficiency and choice.
The Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA) will sell part of its produce to GMB to replenish and maintain the strategic grain reserve, while the remaining output will be directed to other markets to maximize value and support broader agricultural trade.
Meanwhile, Cabinet was also updated that the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) will play a key role in modernising agricultural marketing by providing a warehouse receipt system and supporting a structured and transparent market trading platform for agricultural commodities.
“The GMB will utilize 1 804 collections points and its 89 depots around the country for collecting and storing grain. This arrangement is expected to provide convenience and cost-effective marketing options to farmers and private players.
“It will also provide an In-Transit Storage Facility to enhance grain imports and overall moderation of consumer prices across the country,” Soda added.
The GMB silo storage capacity has increased significantly from 750 000 metric tonnes to 862 000 metric tonnes, following recent expansion works at the Kwekwe and Mutare silos, strengthening the country’s ability to store grain and manage reserves more efficiently.
New Ziana
