Gvt Rubbishes Food Shortage Claims

The government has allayed fears of food shortage and made it clear that the country has enough reserves to take us to to the next harvesting season.
The Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) will also be complemented by early deliveries of the irrigated maize crop.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira said, “The country had enough stocks to see the country through the season. 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,” he said.
The country requires approximately 203 862 tonnes of maize for human consumption until the next harvest. They had at least 240,000 tonnes in the SGR. The government met with millers to ensure a shortage of maize meal problems were resolved.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara said, “We have not run short of grain supply. We ensure an uninterrupted supply of the commodity. There are just a few logistical challenges that have been affecting availability but, as we speak, there has been a great improvement.”
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu said, “There was more than enough mealie meal supply in the market. 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 meals must range between US$3,50 and US$4,50.
“We 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 realized 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.