‘We’ve enough grain to last until next harvest’

Theseus Shambare

ZIMBABWE has enough grain to feed the nation until the next harvest, while imminent early deliveries of the irrigated maize crop are expected to further boost the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR), a senior Government official has said.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said the country had enough stocks to see the country through the lean season.

This put paid to recent reports that Zimbabwe only had four months’ supply of grains and might possibly face food shortages this year due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

“I was shocked to read in the media that we are left with stocks for only four months. Those are misleading statements. People should wait for the Government, through the Ministry of Lands, to give the correct figures,” said Deputy Minister Marapira.

“We still have enough grain in our stocks from our summer crop to carry us to the next harvest. On top of that, as we speak, our farmers who have the irrigated crop are already preparing to harvest. We are already counting that to add to our grain reserves.”

The country requires approximately 203 862 tonnes of maize for human consumption until the next harvest.

In a recent cereal outlook report, the ministry said it had at least 240 000 tonnes in the SGR.

After some retailers experienced maize-meal shortages, the Government met with millers to ensure all logistical problems were ironed out.

Millers and wholesalers have since assured the public of the availability of enough grain for maize-meal.

In an interview yesterday, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe chairperson Mr Tafadzwa Musarara said:

“We have not run short of grain supply. We assure uninterrupted supply of the commodity. There are just few logistical challenges that have been affecting availability but, as we speak, there has been a great improvement.”

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu said there was more than enough mealie meal supply in the market.

“However, the major concern has been the price of the product. If we are to consider the general pricing within the region, our 10kg bag of roller meal must range between US$3,50 and US$4,50.

“We really need an intervention from the Government to have an engagement with the suppliers, who have been giving the reason for the increase in pricing to shortage of United States dollars,” he said.

In terms of maize production, the country is food-secure on account of the 2,3 million tonnes that were realised in the 2022/2023 season.

About 2,2 million tonnes are required annually for both human consumption and stock feed.

In addition, sorghum, pearl and finger millet production has been increasing, with total production rising from 76 362 tonnes in 2019 to 280 956 in 2023, which has further buttressed the country’s food security.

X: @TheseusShambare