HARARE – Government has reported an increase in national grain stocks to 169 946 metric tonnes and approved the 2025/2026 Summer Crops Marketing Update and 2026 Winter Crops Production Plan.
Speaking during the Post Cabinet briefing this Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said the grain stocks held by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as of June 17, 2026 comprise maize, traditional grains and wheat.
“Total grain stocks at the Grain Marketing Board as at 17 June 2026 stood at 169 946 metric tonnes comprising maize, traditional grains and wheat, and farmers and service providers, especially transporters will now be timeously paid,” he said.
He said grain marketing arrangements cater for five categories of farmers, namely beneficiaries of the Presidential Input Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa), self-financed farmers, farmers supported under the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS) through AFC and CBZ, farmers financed by private contractors, and those funded by the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA).
During the 2025/2026 marketing season, GMB received 40 693.28 metric tonnes of grain from ARDA, while communal farmers contributed significant volumes towards the Strategic Grain Reserve.
He also said GMB has plans to collect grain through its networks.
GMB also plans to aggregate grain from farmers through its 1 804 collection points and 89 depots and storing on behalf of clients, thereby providing a convenient and cost-effective solution. GMB will also introduce an “In-Transit Grain Storage Facility” to enhance Zimbabwe’s grain imports and supply chains,” he said.
Minister Soda also reiterated on the amount of tobacco sold citing an increase from the previous season.
“Pertaining to tobacco, a total of 330.6 million kilogrammes of tobacco has been sold at an average price of USD2.50/kg. This is an 11% increase in volume and 25% decrease in average price compared to the previous season, where 299.2 million kilogrammes were sold at an average price of USD3.36/kg. Auction tobacco prices in 2026 have shown gradual recovery despite periods of mid-season volatility,” he said.
Meanwhile, cotton deliveries have increased, with 5 079 907 kilogrammes marketed as of June 18, 2026, compared to 310 625 kilogrammes during the same period last year.
He said 128 459 hectares of wheat had been planted, surpassing the target of 125 000 hectares by three percent. ARDA contributed 59 880 hectares, representing 92 percent of its planting target.
Government also assured farmers and service providers, particularly transporters, that payments for delivered grain will be made timeously.
Add comment