Zimbabwe’s strong crop output this season is being weighed down by delayed payments to farmers, raising concerns over confidence in the agricultural marketing system despite improved production.
Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Anxious Jongwe Masuka said total cereal production for the 2025/2026 summer season is estimated at 2 740 272 metric tonnes, covering maize, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet.
“Cereal crops production total of 2 740 272 metric tonnes that includes maize, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet,” said Masuka.
While the output points to improved food availability, payment backlogs remain a sticking issue for producers.
Masuka said as of April 24, the Grain Marketing Board had settled 88.26% of USD obligations and 82.73% of ZiG payments, with outstanding balances still owed to farmers.
“As at 24 April 2026, GMB had settled 88.26% of USD obligations and 82.73% of ZiG payments, with USD 4 309 966.02 and ZiG 61 864 791.66 still outstanding to farmers,” he said.
Grain stocks currently held by the GMB stand at 158 853 metric tonnes, comprising maize, traditional grains and wheat.
“Grain stocks at the Grain Marketing Board totalling 158 853 metric tonnes comprising maize, traditional grains and wheat,” said Masuka.
The GMB expects to take in more grain during the marketing season, targeting 183 122 metric tonnes for the Strategic Grain Reserve, including deliveries from ARDA and communal farmers.
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“During the 2025/2026 marketing season, GMB expects to receive 183 122 metric tonnes of grain for the Strategic Grain Reserve from ARDA and a substantial intake from communal farmers,” he said.
The Ministry is also expanding collection and storage systems to improve efficiency and accessibility for farmers.
“GMB also plans to aggregate grain from farmers through its 1 804 collection points nationwide and 89 depots and storing grain on behalf of clients, thereby providing a convenient and cost-effective solution,” said Masuka.
To strengthen supply chains, a new storage intervention is also being introduced.
“GMB will also introduce an ‘In-Transit Grain Storage Facility’ to enhance Zimbabwe’s grain imports and supply chains,” he said.
Meanwhile, tobacco continues to deliver strong export performance, with 149.9 million kilogrammes sold at an average price of US$2.65 per kilogramme by day 34 of the marketing season.
“Pertaining to tobacco, as at day 34, a total of 149.9 million kilogrammes of tobacco had been sold at an average price of US$2.65/kg,” said Masuka.
Exports have also surged, reflecting strong demand on the global market.
“As of 23 April 2026, tobacco exports had reached 83 million kilogrammes valued at US$545 million, reflecting a 66% increase in export volume,” he said.
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