GMB expands grain collection points

The Government has cautioned farmers against selling their maize and other grains to unscrupulous private buyers offering instant cash at prices far below the official rate, warning that such transactions could result in significant financial losses.

This comes amid reports that some private grain buyers are taking advantage of vulnerable farmers, especially those with small harvests or without the means to transport their produce to official Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots. In some areas, these buyers are reportedly offering as little as US$300 per tonne for maize - well below the GMB's gazetted price.

Speaking during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, urged farmers to be vigilant and ensure they receive fair value for their hard-earned harvests.

    "GMB has gazetted prices for maize, millet, sorghum, and other small grains at US$376 per tonne, with 70 percent of the payment made in US dollars and the remainder in local currency," said Dr Masuka. "We urge farmers to verify prices before selling and to avoid being exploited by opportunistic buyers."

He highlighted the situation in Mashonaland West, where some buyers are offering uncompetitive rates and urged farmers to wait for official GMB guidance on where to deliver their grain.
More Collection Points to Assist Farmers

To address transportation challenges faced by smallholder farmers, Minister Masuka revealed that the GMB would be increasing its collection points across the country during the peak harvest period.

    "In areas without GMB depots, we will use places that previously served as distribution points for social welfare food or presidential input schemes. These will now function as grain collection points," he said.

Dr Masuka explained that the GMB would operate mobile collection centres that visit rural areas on agreed dates, reducing the burden of transportation on farmers.
Clarification on Grain Sales Policy

The minister also clarified who is eligible to sell to the GMB. He explained that farmers under contract farming schemes - including those supported through the Presidential Inputs Scheme, banks such as CBZ and AFC, and entities like the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) - are expected to honour their obligations to their financiers.

    "However, farmers who financed themselves are not bound by such arrangements. These self-financed producers may sell to any buyer of their choice, including the GMB," said Dr Masuka. "GMB remains a fallback market for all farmers who cannot find better prices elsewhere."

Timely Payments Promised

Addressing concerns over payment delays, Dr Masuka assured farmers that the Government is working with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to ensure prompt disbursement of funds.

    "We reached an agreement with Professor Mthuli Ncube on Monday, and we've already cleared last year's outstanding US dollar payments. Only a few remain in local currency. We expect payments to be made on time this year," he said.

2024/25 Grain Outlook

Zimbabwe is expecting a harvest of 2,293,556 tonnes of maize and 634 tonnes of traditional grains from the 2024/25 summer cropping season. The Government hopes that improved logistics, fair pricing, and better payment systems will encourage farmers to sell through formal channels, helping to ensure national food security.

Farmers are encouraged to contact their local GMB offices for updated information on grain collection schedules and market prices.