Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere, [email protected]
THE Grain Marketing Board has processed payments for grain deliveries worth over US$22 million, with weekly payments being made to settle arrears to local farmers.
This comes as the first round of crop, livestock and fisheries assessment, led by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), is nearing completion.
On Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere provided an update on the country’s Strategic Grain Stock, which stands at 187 245 tonnes.
This total includes 113 751 tonnes of wheat, with the remainder comprising maize and traditional grains.
“Cabinet advises that the current Strategic Grain Stock at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) stands at 187 245 tonnes, with 113 751 tonnes being wheat, while the balance comprises maize and traditional grains,” said Dr Muswere.
“Notably, ARDA, as the food security agent for the nation, has contributed 84,8 percent of the marketed grain.
“In terms of funding, the summer cropping season currently stands at ZiG73 million and US$313,9 million.
“The Grain Marketing Board has already paid farmers for grain deliveries valued at US$22 384 053,16 and weekly payments are being made to clear outstanding payments,” said Dr Muswere.
He said a total of 1 900 709 hectares across the 10 provinces were set aside for maize during the 2025/2026 season, compared to 1 463 465 hectares during the 2024/2025 season, representing a 30 percent increase.
To date, said Dr Muswere, ARDA has planted 101 230 hectares, comprising 34 752 hectares under maize and 66 478 hectares under sorghum.
“Cabinet highlights that the First Round of Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment led by the Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency is currently underway and conclusive area indications for various crops are expected in due course.
“Preliminary assessments indicate that the crop condition is good across all provinces. The Meteorological Service Department predicts normal to above-normal rainfall.”
Concerning the adoption of climate-proofed agriculture, Dr Muswere said provinces registered a combined 15 967 155 Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots under the 2025/2026 season, compared to the 10 817 408 plots achieved in 2024/2025, indicating a 48 percent increase.
He said 164 536 hectares have been planted under tobacco, reflecting a 15 percent increase in area compared to the 143 025 hectares planted at the same time in 2025.
“The crop condition is reportedly good, and the country is poised for another record harvest,” said Dr Muswere.
“Meanwhile, tobacco exports increased to 42 139 million kilogrammes in January this year compared to the 19 891 107 million kilogrammes exported at the same time last year.”
