The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has paid farmers more than US$4 million for 2025 wheat deliveries.
The board also promised faster payments in future seasons.
GMB chief executive Edson Badarai confirmed the payments cleared all outstanding foreign currency debts.
“The GMB is delighted to announce that it has received US$4.31 million to clear wheat deliveries United States dollar obligations, and US$0.944 million clearing current deliveries of summer cereals that were delivered from this April 2026; totalling US$5.254 million,” said Badarai.
Government Backs Farmers
Badarai said Treasury funding brought relief to farmers across the country.
He also praised the Government’s continued support for agriculture.
“This vital funding by the Treasury brings much-needed relief to farmers. The support underscores the Government’s steadfast commitment to agriculture.”
Meanwhile, Badarai urged farmers to deliver grain to GMB depots and buying points.
He specifically addressed beneficiaries under the Presidential Input Programme and ARDA schemes.
According to Badarai, these deliveries will strengthen national grain self-sufficiency.
“Going forward, GMB anticipates paying farmers within 30 days of delivery,” Badarai said.
Farmers Push for Faster Payments
However, farmers still expressed concern over delayed payments.
Food Crop Contractors Association chairperson Graeme Murdoch welcomed the settlement of outstanding debts.
Still, he warned that long payment delays discourage wheat production.
He said farmers cannot confidently plant wheat after waiting eight months for payment.
Meanwhile, the Government set a pre-planting incentive of US$524.56 per tonne for 2026 winter wheat producers.
Authorities target 125,000 hectares and expect 662,500 tonnes of wheat output.
Zimbabwe currently requires 360,000 tonnes of wheat annually.
This season, several funding models will support wheat production.
These include Pfumvudza/Intwasa, self-financing farmers, NEAPS, ARDA, and private contractors.
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