GMB settles 85% of 2024/25 obligations

Published: 2 hours ago

Government says the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has settled about 85 percent of its payment obligations to farmers for the 2024/25 season, as the country projects a strong agricultural output for 2025/26.

The update was presented during a post-Cabinet briefing, where Cabinet considered and approved a report on the 2025/26 Summer Crops Marketing and the 2026 Winter Crop Production Plan delivered by Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka.

According to the report, as of April 24, 2026, the GMB had settled 88.26 percent of its US dollar obligations and 82.73 percent of payments in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). Outstanding balances currently stand at US$4.3 million and ZiG61.8 million owed to farmers.

Government also projected total cereal production for the 2025/26 summer season at 2.74 million metric tonnes, covering maize, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet, signalling improved agricultural performance.

Grain reserves held by the GMB were reported at 158,853 metric tonnes, including maize, wheat and traditional grains, providing a buffer for national food security.

Authorities said the marketing framework for the upcoming season will cater for five categories of farmers, including those under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa), self-financed producers, beneficiaries of the National Enhanced Agricultural Production Scheme supported by AFC and CBZ, privately contracted farmers and those operating under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority.

The update reflects cautious optimism within the agriculture sector, with improved production prospects and progress on farmer payments seen as key to strengthening confidence and ensuring food security.
- The Herald

Tags: GMB,