The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has received US$5 million from Treasury for timely farmer payments, a disbursement government says will strengthen food security, improve farmer liquidity and support Zimbabwe’s agriculture-led growth under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The latest tranche brings total cumulative payments for the current summer cropping season to ZWG 268 million and USD 35 million, covering deliveries of strategic grains to the national grain reserve.
In a statement released yesterday, GMB Chief Executive Officer Dr. E. Badarai said the funding demonstrates government’s commitment to prioritizing agriculture as a key driver of economic transformation.
“This funding by the Government brings positive impact on the agricultural sector, as farmers will be able to invest in their agribusiness – a key sector driving Zimbabwe’s economy,” Dr. Badarai said.
Timely payments are critical to ensuring farmers have working capital to procure inputs for the next season, retain labor, and expand production. This directly supports NDS2 Priority Area 1: Food Security and Nutrition, which seeks to guarantee grain self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports.
GMB, whose mandate is “Assuring Food Security”, reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with farmers to achieve national grain self-sufficiency in line with Vision 2030 of attaining an upper-middle-income economy.
The Board extended gratitude to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr. A. J. Masuka, for his “tireless efforts in securing Treasury support” for the grain sector.
The payment system is part of broader government interventions under NDS2 aimed at modernizing agriculture, increasing productivity, and enhancing value chains. By ensuring farmers are paid promptly, government seeks to incentivize increased hectarage, improve yields, and stabilize grain supply to strategic reserves and milling companies.
Agriculture employs over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population and contributes significantly to GDP. Analysts note that prompt farmer payments have a multiplier effect: money circulates in rural economies, supports input suppliers, and reduces post-harvest distress sales.
With the additional US$5 million, GMB will accelerate outstanding payments to farmers who delivered maize, soya beans and other summer crops to depots nationwide during the 2025/2026 marketing season.
Dr. Badarai said GMB remains dedicated to efficient grain procurement, storage and distribution to ensure “Food Security: Everywhere. Everyday.”
