Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
THE Grain Marketing Board has established 1 804 mobile grain buying points across the country as deliveries have surged by 122 percent compared to the same period last year following last season’s bumper harvest.
The expansion of buying point complements the 89 fixed GMB depots and is aimed at bringing formal grain marketing services directly into communities.
It is envisaged that this will ensure farmers do not travel long distances to sell their produce.
The surge in deliveries has been attributed to two consecutive good rainfall seasons, which have significantly improved agricultural production and boosted maize and traditional grain output.
GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the parastatal had expanded its buying network to ensure that increased production was matched by easier access to the formal market.
“One of our major priorities this season has been to bring GMB services closer to farmers.
“We have activated 1 804 mobile buying points across the country to complement our network of 89 fixed depots.”
Dr Badarai said the objective was to ensure grain marketing services were available in every ward, particularly for farmers in remote communities.
“Our goal is to make grain delivery accessible in every ward and to ensure that transport does not become a barrier to farmers participating in the formal market.”
The GMB has also deployed a fleet of 40-tonne trucks to assist in transporting grain from farms and communities and moving it to storage facilities.
The parastatal is also engaging third-party transporters to address logistical challenges.
The interventions come as grain intake has more than doubled, with total deliveries up 122 percent compared to the same period last year.
Dr Badarai said maize deliveries had increased significantly, while traditional grains were also maintaining solid momentum.
Mashonaland West is leading maize deliveries, followed by Mashonaland Central and Midlands, while Masvingo has accounted for more than half of the country’s traditional grain intake.
The board currently has 12 silo depots with a combined capacity of 750 000 tonnes, alongside 63 depots equipped with sheds and hardstands. Fourteen new AI-driven silos are also being constructed, with facilities in Kwekwe and Mutare already commissioned.
The new investments have lifted current silo capacity to 862 000 tonnes, with each of the 14 silos designed to hold 56 000 tonnes.
Once all 14 are completed, total silo capacity is expected to reach approximately 1,53 million tonnes, adding 784 000 tonnes to the existing capacity.
“This investment is significant because it ensures that increased agricultural production is matched by adequate post-harvest infrastructure,” Dr Badarai said.
He said farmers were being paid within a maximum of 14 days after delivery.
Dr Badarai said the GMB has so far paid ZiG267.3 million and US$29.5 million for the current summer season after clearing payments from the previous winter season.
