Minister Masuka Shields Farmers from Middlemen’s Price Exploitation as Government Expands GMB Grain Collection

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is expanding its grain collection network to 1,800 depots across Zimbabwe, aiming to protect farmers from unscrupulous buyers offering prices below the government-approved rate.

Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr. Anxious Masuka confirmed the move during a National Assembly session, warning farmers against selling their maize cheaply.

Zimbabwe is anticipating a record-breaking 2.2 million tonnes of maize from the 2024-2025 cropping season, a significant milestone for the country’s agricultural sector.

However, Dr. Masuka emphasized that the government had set the official grain price at US$376 per tonne, with payments structured at 70% in U.S. dollars and 30% in local currency to ensure farmers receive fair compensation.

“Farmers must check prices before selling their crops. We cannot allow middlemen to take advantage of their hard work,” he stated.

Reports from Mashonaland West reveal that buyers are already targeting farming communities, offering as little as US$300 per tonne—well below the gazetted price.

“We have received disturbing reports that opportunistic buyers are undermining farmers with unfair deals. We urge farmers to wait for GMB’s official collection points to be confirmed before selling,” Dr. Masuka stressed.

To handle the historic harvest, GMB will increase its depots from 58 to 1,800, repurposing locations previously used for social welfare food distribution and presidential agricultural programs as grain collection centers.

“If we could distribute farming inputs at these locations, we can also collect grain from the same points,” he explained.

In low-yield areas, GMB will deploy mobile collection units instead of permanent depots, ensuring farmers can schedule grain deliveries.

“Where daily collection isn’t necessary, farmers can coordinate with GMB on designated dates for mobile collection,” Masuka noted.

To streamline grain transportation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commissioned 20 new 40-tonne trucks, while Arda has been allocated 10 trucks to assist with nationwide grain collection.

According to The Herald, these measures aim to prevent price exploitation and improve grain marketing efficiency.

Farmers are urged to confirm official GMB rates before selling their produce, ensuring they receive fair compensation and avoid manipulation by unauthorized buyers.