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Trust Freddy-Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe private sector plans to import 400 000 tonnes of Brazilian maize to help meet the commercial requirements with a 20-member delegation from the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) now in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to sort out the details of the trade.
With the El Nino drought, the private sector has been told to import its own requirements until the next harvest.
Already 440 000 tonnes has been imported since October from South Africa.
The strategic stocks of maize, what was stored in previous better seasons, is now reserved for the Government household assistance programmes.
Led by GMAZ Chairman Dr Tafadzwa Musarara, the private sector delegation will engage Brazilian maize suppliers, exploring opportunities for imports and discussing potential trade agreements.
Dr Musarara said the delegation’s efforts were a proactive response to the food insecurity crisis.
“We are aiming to procure and secure circa 400 000 tonnes supply arrangement covering September 2024 to August 2025.
“Since October last year, GMAZ has managed to import over 440 000 tonnes mainly from South Africa,” said Dr Musarara.
The El Nino drought meant the 2024 harvest was low rendered the 2023/24 agricultural season unproductive with more than more than 80 percent of the country receiving below normal rainfall.
The Government has since put in place a cocktail of measures including availing food aid to both urban and rural dwellers to feed at least 7,7 million people in the wake of the devastating drought.
As part of measures to mitigate the effects of the drought, authorities have also adequately resourced the winter cropping season to increase yields.
Online Reporter