The Grain Marketing Board expects to generate about US$40 million from commercial operations this year, up from US$10 million last year. Commercial operations include manufacture of end user products such as rice, salt and maputi. GMB general manager Mr Albert Mandizha said the targeted increase in earnings was easily attainable.

“Last year, we managed to reach US$10 million thus we are very optimistic the US$40 million target is achievable. Our products are selling well on the market and most of the products are delivered on orders,” he said. Mr Mandizha said commercial operations were increasingly helping strengthen the parastatal’s balance sheet, and financing some of its social obligations.