Government avails $3m for grain movement

GOVERNMENT has released $3 million to support the transportation of grain under the Presidential Grain Distribution Programme, ensuring that all food-insecure citizens receive aid until April.

Initially targeting households, the programme was later expanded to cater for every individual as the country battles the effects of an El Nino-induced drought. Authorities are optimistic that the recent rains will result in a good harvest by April, with farmers’ crops showing promising growth.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, revealed that the Presidential grain silos currently hold 187 000 tonnes of grain, 80 percent of which is wheat. The funds allocated by the Treasury will be used to facilitate the transport of this grain to various provinces.

Speaking in Hwange recently, Dr Masuka said his ministry, along with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, had been tasked with ensuring that food aid reaches every citizen in need.

“The President is committed to ensuring that no one dies of hunger. Until March, food aid will continue to be distributed to all families. The Presidential grain silos currently hold 187 000 tonnes of grain, with the majority being wheat,” he said.

To facilitate its transportation, we have received $3 million from Treasury. In the next two weeks, grain will begin arriving as we have already started loading wagons from Lion’s Den. This grain is coming from the President, and we used to give per household but now because of drought we are giving per individual.”

Dr Masuka said traditional leaders have been directed to register all food-insecure villagers, as they are best placed to identify those in need.

He also assured the public that the school feeding programme was included in the initiative, ensuring that learners receive at least one meal per day until the end of the school term in April.

“In terms of schools feeding, children are to be fed daily until the end of the term in April as the President has said they should get a meal per day. I want to assure you that there is enough grain and also for school feeding,” said Dr Masuka.

“Yes, there may be transportation challenges in some areas, but once the food arrives, we urge councillors to help facilitate its delivery to ensure that every individual in need has access to food aid.”

Dr Masuka said Government remains committed to mitigating the effects of drought and safeguarding food security for all Zimbabweans. — @ncubele