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GMB opens more grain buying points as deliveries surge
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The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has established 1 804 mobile grain buying points across Zimbabwe as grain deliveries surge by 122 percent compared with the same period last year following a bumper harvest.
The mobile buying points complement the GMB's 89 fixed depots and are intended to bring formal grain marketing services closer to farmers, particularly those in remote communities.
The increase in grain deliveries has been attributed to two consecutive favourable rainfall seasons, which have boosted agricultural production and significantly increased maize and traditional grain output.
GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the parastatal had expanded its buying network to ensure increased production was matched by easier access to formal markets.
"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.
He said the aim was to make grain marketing services available in every ward and prevent transport costs and long distances from discouraging farmers from selling their produce through formal channels.
"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," he said.
The GMB has also deployed a fleet of 40-tonne trucks to transport grain from farms and communities to storage facilities, while third-party transporters are being engaged to help address logistical challenges.
The interventions come as grain intake has more than doubled, with total deliveries up 122 percent compared with the same period last year.
Dr Badarai said maize deliveries had increased significantly, while traditional grains were also recording strong intake.
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 GMB currently operates 12 silo depots with a combined capacity of 750 000 tonnes, in addition to 63 depots equipped with sheds and hardstands.
Fourteen new AI-driven silos are also under construction, with facilities in Kwekwe and Mutare already commissioned.
The investments have increased current silo capacity to 862 000 tonnes, with each of the 14 new silos designed to hold 56 000 tonnes.
Once all 14 silos are completed, total storage capacity is expected to reach approximately 1.53 million tonnes, representing an additional 784 000 tonnes of capacity.
"This investment is significant because it ensures that increased agricultural production is matched by adequate post-harvest infrastructure," Dr Badarai said.
He said the GMB was paying farmers within a maximum of 14 days after delivery.
Dr Badarai said the board had so far paid ZiG267.3 million and US$29.5 million for the current summer season, after clearing outstanding payments from the previous winter season.
The mobile buying points complement the GMB's 89 fixed depots and are intended to bring formal grain marketing services closer to farmers, particularly those in remote communities.
The increase in grain deliveries has been attributed to two consecutive favourable rainfall seasons, which have boosted agricultural production and significantly increased maize and traditional grain output.
GMB chief executive officer Dr Edson Badarai said the parastatal had expanded its buying network to ensure increased production was matched by easier access to formal markets.
"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.
He said the aim was to make grain marketing services available in every ward and prevent transport costs and long distances from discouraging farmers from selling their produce through formal channels.
"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," he said.
The GMB has also deployed a fleet of 40-tonne trucks to transport grain from farms and communities to storage facilities, while third-party transporters are being engaged to help address logistical challenges.
The interventions come as grain intake has more than doubled, with total deliveries up 122 percent compared with the same period last year.
Dr Badarai said maize deliveries had increased significantly, while traditional grains were also recording strong intake.
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 GMB currently operates 12 silo depots with a combined capacity of 750 000 tonnes, in addition to 63 depots equipped with sheds and hardstands.
Fourteen new AI-driven silos are also under construction, with facilities in Kwekwe and Mutare already commissioned.
The investments have increased current silo capacity to 862 000 tonnes, with each of the 14 new silos designed to hold 56 000 tonnes.
Once all 14 silos are completed, total storage capacity is expected to reach approximately 1.53 million tonnes, representing an additional 784 000 tonnes of capacity.
"This investment is significant because it ensures that increased agricultural production is matched by adequate post-harvest infrastructure," Dr Badarai said.
He said the GMB was paying farmers within a maximum of 14 days after delivery.
Dr Badarai said the board had so far paid ZiG267.3 million and US$29.5 million for the current summer season, after clearing outstanding payments from the previous winter season.
Source - The Herald
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