Maize deliveries to formal markets have more than doubled, this year, reaching 400 193 tonnes by mid-August, with timely payments by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) helping to boost farmer confidence in the formal grain marketing system.
Latest figures from the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) show that maize purchases by all buyers rose 108% from 192 020 tonnes recorded during the corresponding period last year.
GMB recorded the biggest increase, with its maize intake surging 323% from 29 814 tonnes last year to 126 058 tonnes this season.
The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) also recorded strong growth, with purchases rising 130% from 10 437 tonnes to 24 026 tonnes, while private buyers increased their intake by 65% from 151 769 tonnes to 250 109 tonnes.
GMB chief executive officer, Dr Edison Badarai, attributed the increase in deliveries to improved payment of farmers, saying producers were receiving both the foreign currency and local currency components of their payments on time.
The improved payment position was supported by Government, with Treasury last week releasing US$5 million and ZiG40 million to GMB towards payments for grain delivered during the 2026 marketing season.
“Further to the US$5 million received, GMB also got ZiG40 million towards farmer payments. This brings the total cumulative payments to ZiG329 million and US$27 million,” said Dr Badarai.
The funding injection has strengthened GMB’s capacity to settle farmers promptly, helping to restore confidence in the State grain buyer as the marketing season reaches its peak.
A maize farmer from Mazowe said timely payments were encouraging producers to use formal markets.
“We are encouraged by the improvement in payments because it gives us confidence to deliver our grain through the formal market. When farmers know they will be paid on time, they are more willing to sell their produce rather than hold on to it,” he said.
The surge in deliveries is expected to strengthen national grain reserves while improving farmer incomes and supporting businesses across the agricultural value chain.
With formal maize deliveries already more than double last year’s level, the increase is expected to contribute to Zimbabwe’s food security and strengthen activity across the wider agricultural economy.
