GMB to Open 1,800 Grain Depots Nationwide to Support Farmers After Record Maize Harvest

GMB Silos

Reporter

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) will establish up to 1,800 grain receiving depots across the country to enable farmers to sell their produce following a bumper harvest this year, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has announced. The minister disclosed this during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, warning farmers against selling their grain to unscrupulous buyers.

 “We urge farmers to check prices before they sell their crops so that they profit from their labour.” The country is expecting a record 2.2 million tonnes of maize from the 2024-2025 cropping season.

Dr Masuka said GMB gazetted prices for maize, millet, sorghum, and other small grains at US$376 per tonne, paying 70 percent in US dollars and 30 percent in local currency.

 “We heard that in Mashonaland West, they have already gone there and are offering US$300 per tonne. We told the people to stop selling to these unscrupulous buyers and wait for GMB to tell them which depots to use.” GMB plans to operate 58 depots initially, increasing to 1,800 during the harvest period. In areas where GMB may not have a depot, collection points will be established at locations previously used for distributing social welfare food. To address the transport challenges faced by GMB, President Mnangagwa has commissioned 20 40-tonne trucks, while ARDA has been allocated 10 trucks for grain collection. Dr Masuka added, “In some areas, what is needed are mobile collection centres, which means GMB does not have to stay in those areas because there is not much to be collected on a daily basis like in other areas. So, people choose a date and agree with GMB to come and collect.” This comprehensive strategy aims to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their harvest and improve the efficiency of grain collection across the country.