Harare, (New Ziana) – The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has received an additional US$5 million from treasury to purchase wheat, bringing the total to US$23 million and Zig215 million.
This timely financial support comes as farmers across the country prepare for the upcoming winter wheat cropping season.
In a statement, GMB chief executive officer Edson Badarai expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts by treasury to mobilize resources essential for supporting the agricultural sector.
“We greatly appreciate the dedication shown by the Treasury in facilitating these payments. As we move into the winter wheat season, these funds are crucial for our farmers who are working diligently to ensure a successful crop.”
He also highlighted the resilience and unwavering commitment of farmers in pursuit of a wheat-based food self-sufficiency for the nation.
“Our farmers are the backbone of the agricultural community, and their dedication is vital as we strive to achieve food security in our nation,” he said.
With the increased financial backing, the GMB aims to bolster the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to enhance production and contribute to the country’s food sustainability goals.
The organization remains optimistic that with continued support and cooperation, farmers will rise to the challenge and help secure a prosperous future for the wheat industry in the region.
Last week, GMB announced the new pricing structure for wheat, maize, soya beans and sunflower which Government said aligned with its goals of ensuring food self-sufficiency and maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Under the new pricing framework, the summer producer price for maize and traditional grains has been set at US$376.48, while soya bean will fetch US$580 per metric ton.
Sunflower producers will receive US$668.98 per metric ton.
For winter wheat, the incentive planning price has been pegged at US$451.35 per metric ton to encourage production during the upcoming season.
Badarai clarified that the GMB will purchase grain from farmers under the Presidential Inputs Programme (PIP) and those operating under ARDA-managed Joint Venture (JV) irrigation schemes.
However, contracted farmers, including self-contracted producers, are expected to sell their grain to their respective contractors, millers or to the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange )ZMX), said Badarai.
“The GMB appreciates the crucial role played by farmers and all stakeholders in driving agricultural transformation, which is key to achieving national food security and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The announcement comes as the government continues to prioritise agriculture as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economic recovery, with targeted support for both smallholder and commercial farmers.
New Ziana
