Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
TREASURY has released additional funds to Grain Marketing Board (GMB) for payment to farmers who delivered grain during the 2025/26 marketing season, as Government moves to ensure that producers have enough resources to prepare for the upcoming summer cropping season.
The development is expected to ease pressure on farmers who have been expecting payment to enable them to meet input and other production costs ahead of the new season.
GMB chief executive officer, Dr Edison Badarai this week said the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion had released US$5 million and ZWG40 million towards farmer payments.
“Further to the US$5 million received, the Grain Marketing Board also got ZWG40 million towards farmer payments. This brings the total cumulative payments to ZWG329 million and US$27 million.
‘‘This vital funding underscores Government’s steadfast commitment to agriculture, a key sector driving Zimbabwe’s economy. The board extends its gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, for his tireless efforts in securing Treasury support. GMB remains dedicated to partnering with farmers to achieve national grain self-sufficiency,” said Dr Badarai.
Timely payment is considered critical to maintaining grain deliveries through the formal marketing system and ensuring producers have working capital to purchase seed, fertilizer, chemicals and fuel ahead of planting.
Zimbabwe National Farmers Union agronomist, Mr Anthony Manyika said the payments will make it easier for farmers to prepare for the 2026/27 season.
“The release of the funds is well appreciated. Farmers are now able to take care of their expenses and bills such as water, electricity, labour and secure inputs.
‘‘Clearing farmers’ debts is key for the success of the next farming season,” said Mr Manyika.
“Farmers need to continuously produce grain to feed the nation and hiccups in payments distract them, forcing some to move away from grain farming.
‘‘Ideally we want GMB to pay as early as possible so that the farmer remains liquid. Maize, wheat and traditional grains are key in securing food security for the country and the producers’ concerns must be taken on board. GMB is the only reliable buyer of grain and farmers prefer to deal with them because they are certain that payment will come despite some delays.”
Agriculture remains central to the country’s food security strategy, with Government continuing to prioritise grain production and marketing.
Data presented earlier this year showed that the area cultivated under staple cereals, including maize and traditional grains, increased to 2.49 million hectares during the 2025/26 agricultural season.
