GMB to establish 2 000 grain collection points

Theseus Shambare

CLOSE to 2 000 grain collection points have been established by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) across the country to facilitate smooth marketing of what is expected to be one of the largest harvests in recent years.

The move is aimed at minimising post-harvest losses, reducing transport costs for farmers and ensuring the country fully benefits from the bumper crop produced during the 2024/2025 summer cropping season.

This large-scale decentralisation of grain collection is considered a significant step towards strengthening national food security, as it brings collection points closer to farming communities, particularly those in remote rural areas.

Midlands province will have the highest number of collection points at 372, followed by Masvingo with 226 and Manicaland with 224, reflecting a nationwide effort to make grain marketing more accessible and efficient.

According to the Second Round Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report (CLAFA-2), the area put under maize increased from 1,72 million hectares (ha) to 1,83 million ha.

This expansion resulted in an estimated maize output of 2,29 million tonnes. Traditional grains — sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet — are projected to yield 634 650 tonnes, bringing the country’s total cereal output to approximately 2,93 million tonnes.

This is well above the national requirement, creating a potential surplus of up to 1,2 million tonnes depending on final consumption figures. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri said the rollout of ward-based collection points was a direct response to challenges faced by farmers in previous years.

“This expansion of our grain collection points is a game-changer for our farmers and for national food security,” he said.

“It significantly reduces the burden on farmers, cutting down on transport costs and minimising post-harvest losses, which is critical for maximising our yields from the summer cropping season.”

The bumper harvest follows a season of normal to above-normal rainfall, which contributed to improved yields across most parts of the country.

While some farmers have already completed harvesting to make way for winter cropping, others are still in the process of harvesting.

Many farmers are currently drying their grain in preparation for delivery to the GMB.

The expansion of grain collection points coincides with ongoing Government efforts to modernise grain storage.

The Government recently commissioned artificial intelligence (AI)-powered silos to improve storage efficiency and reduce spoilage as part of a broader strategy to safeguard national grain reserves.

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