GMB Reports Surge in Deliveries, Tobacco Tops US$9...

GMB Reports Surge in Deliveries, Tobacco Tops US$917 Million

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe’s grain reserves have reached 80,208 metric tonnes, while private sector maize stocks stand at 48,293 metric tonnes.
Grain deliveries to the Grain Marketing Board are ongoing, signalling a stable post-harvest supply chain as the country shifts focus to the winter cropping season.

GMB Chief Executive Officer Rockie Mutenha said the organisation is encouraged by the improved delivery rates, which reflect growing confidence in the marketing system.

“We are pleased with the uptake in grain deliveries, which shows that farmers are responding well to government incentives and post-harvest management support,” said Mutenha.
“Our current stocks place us in a strong position to meet national food security needs while supporting ongoing distributions.”

The GMB reported a sharp increase in deliveries and crop output during the ongoing 2024–2025 summer marketing season, with grains, oilseeds, and tobacco contributing significantly to the economy.

Tobacco has led the charge, with 272.7 million kilogrammes sold so far, generating US$917.6 million. The growth is attributed to improved productivity among the country’s 135,000 tobacco farmers.

Cotton marketing began on June 9, with projections of 61,000 metric tonnes for the 2025 season, up from 13,600 metric tonnes last year.
The Cotton Marketing Technical Committee has pegged prices at US$0.41/kg for Grade A, US$0.37/kg for Grade B, US$0.34/kg for Grade C, and US$0.30/kg for Grade D.

Mutenha said cotton farmers would not be shortchanged this season.

“No bale of cotton will leave any buying point until the farmer has received full payment, including for any grade differences from last season,” he said.
“We are enforcing this to protect farmer interests and maintain integrity in the value chain.”

The government has also pledged to expedite payments across all commodities to stabilise rural economies and maintain production momentum.
Farmers will be paid using a 70:30 US dollar to Zimbabwe Gold ratio to ensure both liquidity and monetary stability.

On the winter front, wheat planting has reached 105,663 hectares against a national target of 120,000 hectares. The projected output stands at 600,000 metric tonnes.
Barley planting has covered 6,115 hectares, or 94.1% of the target, with an estimated 39,000 metric tonnes expected.

Potato production is also underway, with 3,417 hectares planted out of a planned 8,750 hectares. The crop is expected to yield 236,000 metric tonnes.