Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
THE country is on course to record a significant grain surplus of approximately 812 000 metric tonnes this year, a development credited to the transformational agricultural programmes implemented by the Second Republic.
According to the latest projections, the country is expected to have total cereal reserves of 3.01 million metric tonnes – a combination of an anticipated harvest of 2 928 206 metric tonnes and an existing strategic grain reserve of 83 526 metric tonnes.
This comfortably surpasses the national annual grain requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes.
The surplus could be even greater if calculated using more accurate consumption metrics.
“This projected surplus reflects the success of Zimbabwe’s agricultural reforms and climate-resilient farming strategies,” reads a post-Cabinet media statement released today.
“It positions us to strengthen national food security and reduce dependency on imports.”
To support continued growth in the sector, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to pay farmers on time through the Grain Marketing Board (GMB).
Additional grain marketing channels, such as the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) and direct sales to agro-processors are also being utilised to widen farmers’ access to markets.
Meanwhile, the Warehouse Receipt System remains active, with an intake of 4 000 metric tonnes of cereals and oilseeds recorded so far.
This system allows farmers to store produce securely while accessing financing options.
