Zimbabwe proposes maize price of US$380/MT

Published: 2 hours ago

Government has proposed a planning price of US$380 per metric tonne for maize and traditional grains for the 2025/26 cropping season, a slight increase from the current US$376/MT. The adjustment is intended to help farmers make informed production decisions ahead of planting.

The price, which follows the approved cost-plus pricing model, includes a 15% margin above the break-even level and takes into account the average import parity price of US$385/MT. However, the proposed increase is expected to push the price of a 10kg bag of roller meal from US$6,70 to about US$7,50, a rise of almost 12%.

Meanwhile, incentive planning prices for soyabean and sunflower remain unchanged at US$580/MT and US$668/MT, respectively.

Under the proposed framework, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) will handle maize delivered by farmers participating in the Presidential Input Scheme and the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) programmes. GMB chief executive Edson Badarai reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting both national food security and farmer viability. "GMB is dedicated to maintaining a pivotal role in the agricultural stabilisation and transformation agenda. This commitment is reflected in the strategic pricing aimed at supporting farmers and ensuring food security," he said.

Government is also implementing a range of measures to reduce high production costs and enhance competitiveness against imports from major grain-producing countries. Analysts note, however, that the success of the proposed pricing structure will depend heavily on government's ability to pay farmers promptly, an issue that has hindered previous agricultural seasons.
- Newsday

Tags: Maize,