GMB Sets Maize Producer Price at US$364.75 Per Tonne, Urges Farmers to Deliver Grain

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has reaffirmed its position as Zimbabwe's buyer of last resort, announcing a producer price of US$364.75 per metric tonne for maize and traditional grains while assuring farmers of prompt payments during the current grain marketing season.

In a statement, GMB Chief Executive Officer Edson Badarai said the state grain utility remains committed to offering competitive prices that support farmers' profitability and strengthen national food security. According to the board, both maize and traditional grains will be purchased at US$364.75 per metric tonne, a price GMB says is above prevailing market rates.

GMB Says Producer Prices Support Farmers

Badarai said the pricing model is designed to enable farmers to recover production costs and raise sufficient capital to purchase inputs for the forthcoming summer cropping season.

"The Grain Marketing Board remains the best-priced buyer on the market and is paying farmers on time," Badarai said.

He added that the producer price reflects the Government's commitment to incentivising grain production while ensuring the country maintains adequate strategic grain reserves.

The announcement comes as Zimbabwe continues implementing measures aimed at boosting cereal production and achieving long-term food security following successive improvements in harvests.

Farmers Encouraged to Use GMB Buying Network

The GMB urged farmers across the country to take advantage of its extensive grain collection infrastructure, which comprises 89 depots and 1,804 ward-based grain buying points. The board said transport logistics have also been put in place to assist farmers in delivering grain to collection centres, particularly those in remote areas. In addition to buying grain, GMB said farmers can access several services at its collection points, including grain-for-input exchange programmes designed to help producers prepare for the next agricultural season.

Buyer of Last Resort

The GMB reiterated that it remains the buyer of last resort, meaning farmers who are unable to secure private buyers can still market their produce through the board. The arrangement applies to both contract and self-financed farmers.

"As the nation's trusted grain custodian, GMB remains dedicated to partnering with farmers to achieve grain self-sufficiency and food security for Zimbabwe," the board said.

Agricultural stakeholders have previously noted that timely payments and predictable producer prices play a critical role in encouraging farmers to increase production and invest in future cropping seasons.

The Government continues to prioritise grain production as part of broader efforts to strengthen national food security, reduce import dependence and build strategic grain reserves capable of cushioning the country during periods of drought and climate-related shocks.

GMB maize producer price