
The Grain Marketing Board GMB has started paying farmers for delivered crops, clearing 74.8% of ZiG and 88.8% of United States dollar amounts owed. This move comes as the government aims to produce 956,350 metric tonnes of winter cereals. GMB has faced criticism for payment delays, which have affected farmers' ability to fund operations. The current outstanding balances are US$4.1 million and ZiG90 million. The Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry reported that approximately 1.9 million hectares are planted with maize, 343,661 hectares with sorghum, 216,615 hectares with pearl millet, and 30,645 hectares with finger millet. For the 2025/26 selling season, GMB will purchase commodities financed under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Input Scheme, while contractors will buy contract-financed grain at market prices. Self-financed farmers are expected to sell to the best market. The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange will provide a warehouse receipt system and a market trading platform. GMB will use 1,804 collection points and 89 depots. The government targets 956,350 metric tonnes of winter cereals on 140,500 hectares, including 662,500 metric tonnes of winter wheat, 50,000 metric tonnes of barley, and 243,850 metric tonnes of Irish potato. GMB will also offer an in-transit storage facility to support grain imports and moderate consumer prices.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe's hospitality sector is facing a significant funding deficit of US$30 million in preparation for the IATF 2029. In related news, Stanbic Bank has committed US$30,000 towards clean-up initiatives in Victoria Falls. Other developments include Fidelity unveiling Zimbabwe's first large-scale residential piped gas project and the ZMX reporting rising confidence with trades reaching US$1.28 million. Zimbabwe also commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance export competitiveness and delivered a historic milestone by hosting world-class Table Tennis regional championships. Political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions, while squatters continue to struggle with trauma from Gukurahundi and state-sponsored violence. The VFEX shows stability, though underlying value is masked, and there are concerns that Zanu PF may ambush Zimbabwe towards a referendum. Despite outdated equipment, Zimbabwe's para-athletes are achieving success, and junior water polo teams are poised for global recognition.
Must ReadZimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory, a move aimed at enhancing the country's export competitiveness in the honey market. This initiative is expected to support local honey producers in meeting international quality standards and accessing global markets.
Must ReadStanbic Bank has committed US$30,000 to support clean-up initiatives in Victoria Falls. Separately, former legislator Dubeko has filed a challenge with the Constitutional Court regarding President Mnangagwa's term extension. Other news includes government efforts to revive the cotton industry, rising confidence in the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange ZMX with trades reaching US$1.28 million, and a report on ART operations being affected by power outages and raw material shortages, leading to a 6% decline in exports and a 26% decline in paper division volumes in the third quarter to June 2022. Additionally, Zimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance export competitiveness.