GMB relaxes grain moisture content requirement

Zim Now Writer

State-owned grain firm, the Grain Marketing Board, has relaxed the grain moisture content to 13.5 percent due to late rainfall and the impending winter wheat season.

Acting GMB Chief Executive Officer, Clemence Guta confirmed the development, saying:

“I can confirm the acceptance of high moisture content maize up to 13.5 percent maximum. At the beginning of the season, the moisture will be slightly higher and because we want to get as much intake as possible, that is why we somehow relaxed the moisture level,” said Guta.

A letter dated May 2, 2023, addressed to regional managers and supply chain managers from GMB operations director also confirms the position.

“In view of the late planting of the summer crop due to late rains and the need to ensure winter wheat production, we recommend the following to farmers; maize moisture content at intake temporarily revised upwards from 12.5 to a maximum of 13.5 percent until further notice,” reads the notice.

The notice also states that grain received at a moisture content above 12.5 percent will be stored separately and disposed urgently to millers for processing.

Grain moisture is maintained below 12.5 percent to guarantee long grain storage and to prevent moulds.