Chronicle Editor
Precious Manomano, Harare Bureau
GOVERNMENT has so far mobilised 405 000 tonnes of grain to feed 6 million people for 12 months at a distribution pattern of 7,5kgs per person.
From October to March next year, the distribution ratio will be 8,5kgs per person with all vulnerable and food insecure households having access to grain.
This comes as the Government has scaled up efforts to fight hunger across the country in the wake of the El Nino-induced drought, which affected the region in the past summer cropping season.
Rice consumption has increased from 10 000 tonnes 10 years ago to over 120 000 tonnes annually, with monthly consumption reaching 10 000 tonnes.
According to a report on Zimbabwe’s drought mitigation strategies released by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, US$189 million worth of grain is available in the Strategic Grain Reserve.
Statistics indicate that over 7,7 million people require food assistance this season including the urban population.
The Silo roller meal brand at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is expected to stabilise urban mealie-meal prices.
Recently, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said imports of grain by the private sector would also be expedited adding that there was a need for a multi-faceted approach involving all State entities to land grain into the country.
Online Reporter