Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Government has so far imported over 39 000 metric tonnes of grain out of the expected 300 000 metric tonnes and is anticipating the grain to last until June next year at the current importation rate.
The development is critical to cover a deficit occasioned by the El Nino weather phenomenon and ensure that the nation remains food secure.
Cabinet on Tuesday considered the Report on the 2023/2024 Summer Crops Marketing and Food Security Outlook to March 2025 and the 2024 Winter Cereals Plan, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka.
In a post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said focus will now shift to the purchase of local wheat.
“Regarding maize imports by the Government through the Grain Marketing Board, a total of 39,698.88 metric tonnes have been delivered out of the expected 300,000 metric tonnes. The import of grain at the current importation rate will last till June 2025. Focus will now shift to the purchase of local wheat. Meanwhile, harvesting of wheat has commenced and 1 737 metric tonnes have already been harvested as of 18 September 2024,” he said.
He noted that a total of 164 465 metric tonnes of grains and oilseeds had been marketed as of 20 September 2024, compared to 289 090 metric tonnes marketed in 2023 at the same time. Dr Muswere indicated that the marginal decline in marketed maize suggests that this was largely irrigated maize, whereas sorghum, soya bean, and sunflower were under dryland production and suffered from the El Nino-induced drought.
He added: “Cabinet advises that the total food requirement to March 2025 is about 427 408.54 metric tonnes at 7.5 kg per person until March 2025 and 464 608.54 metric tonnes at 8.5 kg per person. Taking into consideration the possibility of increased requirements, as only 6.2 million of 9.2 million people in rural areas are receiving food under social welfare, it is recommended that the 7.5 kg/person/month be maintained and more people be enrolled as the need arises.”
Meanwhile, the Minister informed that surveillance of the quelea bird was ongoing in all provinces. He stated that technicians with drones, vehicle-mounted sprayers, and backpack sprayers are on standby, while National and Provincial Command Centres have been activated.
Dr Muswere emphasized: “Water availability and grazing areas continue to deteriorate daily, particularly in Natural Regions IV and V. Out of the 1,035 wards in these regions, 959 rural wards are targeted for the establishment of Ward Drought Mitigation Centres. Some 35 rigs have been distributed to the eight rural provinces for the emergency drilling programme on a roving basis.”
Regarding tobacco exports, he reported that a total of 144 million kilogrammes have been exported at an average price of US$5.28 per kg.
The Minister also mentioned that in preparation for the 2024/2025 season, some 1 252 244 grammes of seeds have been sold compared to 865 708 grammes sold last year at the same time, reflecting a 45 percent increase.
“The seed is equivalent to 208 707 hectares compared to 144 285 hectares last year. A record production is anticipated, as these seed sales are a record high for the industry.
Bongani Ndlovu