Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has approved incentive producer prices for maize, traditional grains, soya bean and sunflower for the 2025/26 summer cropping season.
In a statement on Wednesday, Grain Marketing Board (GMB) chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the approved prices sought to support agricultural production and strengthen national food security.
“Following extensive consultations with stakeholders, the Government has approved the incentive producer prices for the 2025/26 summer season for maize, traditional grains, soya bean and sunflower,” said Dr Badarai.
Under the approved pricing structure, maize and traditional grains will each fetch US$364,75 per tonne, while soya bean has been pegged at US$583,01 per tonne.
Sunflower will attract the highest price at US$670,46 per tonne.
The latest prices are expected to provide farmers with certainty ahead of the forthcoming summer cropping season and are likely to spur increased production of both staple and oilseed crops.
The move comes as the Government continues to prioritise food self-sufficiency and the building of strategic grain reserves under its broader food security agenda.
By maintaining the same price for maize and traditional grains, authorities are expected to encourage the production of drought-tolerant small grains in line with climate-proofing agriculture.
The higher prices for soya beans and sunflowers are also expected to boost the edible oils value chain and reduce reliance on imports.
GMB reiterated its commitment to its mandate of assuring food security, with the pricing framework seen as a key intervention to incentivise farmers and sustain production momentum.
