Govt Acts To Ease GMB Payment Delays

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Government has pledged immediate financial support to the Grain Marketing Board to ensure prompt payments to farmers delivering grain in the 2024-2025 summer cropping season, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s agricultural marketing systems and national food security.

Presenting the update during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, said: “According to the Second Round Crops, Livestock, and Fisheries Assessment report of 12 April, 2025, the country has adequate grain reserves at national level. In the interim, resources will be made available to the Grain Marketing Board to facilitate timely payments for anticipated grain deliveries.”

To support grain handling and storage infrastructure, the Minister confirmed progress on key construction projects: “The construction of 14 grain silo depots is making steady progress at 13 centres across the country, with the Kwekwe depot having been completed and officially commissioned by President, Mnangagwa.”

In the cotton sector, preparations for the upcoming marketing season have been finalised, with key infrastructure and logistics in place. “The 2025 cotton buying season is set to begin on June 1, with prices per grade to be announced upon completion of ongoing consultations. To support the season's operations, preparations, including the establishment of 211 permanent buying points and 476 mobile buying points, have been completed,” Minister Muswere said.

He also provided a detailed update on tobacco marketing performance: “As of 16 May 2025, a total of 189 million kilogrammes of tobacco had been sold at an average price of US$3.38 per kilogramme. This represents a 21% increase in volume compared to the same period last season, when 151 million kgs were sold at an average price of US$3.52 per kgs.”

Regarding winter cropping, the Minister outlined targets and progress made under the 2025 Winter Cereals Plan: “The production targets are set at 600 000 metric tonnes of wheat from 120 000 hectares, 39 000 metric tonnes of barley from 6 500 hectares, and approximately 236 000 metric tonnes of potatoes from around 8 700 hectares.”

He noted that wheat planting was well underway, stating: “A total of 29 372 hectares have been planted, distributed as follows: Mashonaland West, 9 751; Mashonaland Central, 5 524; Mashonaland East, 4 095; Manicaland, 1 952; Midlands, 3 081; Masvingo, 1 031; Matabeleland North, 1 525; and Matabeleland South, 2 413.”