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Blessings Chidakwa Herald Reporter
A wheat-based food security programme has been adopted by Government to maximise yields of the winter grain and save at least US$189,5 million in imports, Cabinet announced yesterday, allowing more money to be spent on cushioning the vulnerable from hunger.
Cabinet said despite the El Nino drought, with the declaration of the state of disaster by President Mnangagwa, all was in place to provide affordable grains through sale to the public or through food aid via social welfare channels till the harvest in March next year.
Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Cabinet received and adopted the updated plan on summer marketing and winter cereals presented by Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
Minister Muswere said the food security balance sheet comprised stock held by individuals, the private sector and Government, the meagre gleanings now being gathered from the summer harvest after the El Nino drought, imports by Government and the private sector, and winter cereal production.
“The wheat-based food security strategic intervention will reduce the import requirement by Government by 486 000 tonnes, which is equivalent to US$189,5 million. Sufficient resources will, therefore, be deployed towards the timeous payments for local grain deliveries.
“The shortfall in grain requirements will be met through imports by the private sector which has indicated the capacity to import 1 000 000 tonnes between April 2024 and March 2025 to mitigate the effects of drought,” he said.
Minister Muswere said the Grain Marketing Board stocks as at April 25 for maize, traditional grains and the strategic grain reserves were 308 139 tonnes, including wheat that is available for sale.
“A total of 142 000 hectares is being earmarked for irrigation and the crops planned for winter production are wheat on 120 000 hectares, barley on 7 000 hectares, maize or sorghum on 3 200 hectares, and potatoes on 6 750 hectares to produce over 800 000 tonnes of which 600 000 tonnes shall be wheat for food security.
“The wheat production hectarage will be sponsored by the Banks, the Presidential Input Scheme, ARDA Estates + Joint Ventures, the Food Crop Contractors Association (FCCA), and self-financing,” said Minister Muswere.
A total of 60 139 hectares had been contracted under the schemes, out of which 1 352,5 hectares had already been planted.
“The Government and stakeholders are tracking 11 winter wheat production enablers, mainly power, water, seed, fertiliser, fuel, farmer outstanding payments, finance, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, migratory pests, mechanisation and chemicals,” he said.
Online Reporter