Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Agriculture Reporter
The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has assured the public that the nation has sufficient food emphasising that there is no need for panic buying.
This season, farmers achieved a record crop, contributing to a projected grain surplus of approximately 812 000 tonnes.
Overall, total cereal reserves are expected to reach 3.01 million tonnes, exceeding the annual grain requirement of 2.2 million tonnes.
GMAZ chairman Dr Tafadzwa Musarara said it was important to boost local production as imports were not reliable.
“In early 2023, Government authorised our members to commence importation of white and yellow maize to complement local suppl as the country went through the drought.
“The country was adequately stocked with maize meal and stockfeed products available at all retail shops nationwide. From now until the next harvest in 2026, maize meal will be abundantly available. We can confirm without hesitation that relying on imports for our operation is difficult, unpredictable and therefore there is need to promote local production,” he said.
This assurance comes on the heels of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement signed yesterday between GMAZ and the Zimbabwe Merchantile Exchange (ZMX) to enhance grain procurement and operational efficiency.
Dr Musarara noted that the anticipated harvest of 2 928 206 tonnes, along with existing reserves reinforced the nation’s ability to meet its food requirements.
The partnership between GMAZ and ZMX is aimed at creating a structured trading system that benefits both buyers and sellers.
ZMX chief executive, Mr Collen Tapfumaneyi said millers secured access to grain through binding forward contracts, while farmers and traders gained the ability to raise financing before actual sales.
This system addresses the critical challenge of efficiently moving large volumes of grain while balancing supply needs with cash flow realities.
Government initiatives, such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa and the National Enhanced Agriculture Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), have enhanced agricultural production and promote sustainable farming practices.
