Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
THE Indigenous Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (IGMAZ) has backed Government’s import substitution and food sovereignty agenda, saying proceeds from the grain levy framework are already being channelled towards irrigation development and agricultural infrastructure, strengthening climate resilience and boosting local production.
IGMAZ chairman Mr Tinashe Prosper Chiname said the association was concerned by efforts from some players in the grain milling industry to oppose Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, which requires processors to increase local sourcing of grain and oilseeds.
“The Indigenous Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (IGMAZ) notes with grave concern the continued efforts by certain quarters within the grain milling industry designed to undermine Government’s import substitution and food sovereignty agenda through self-serving and unjustifiable opposition to Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025,” he said.
Under the statutory instrument, processors are required to source at least 40 percent of their grain and oilseed requirements locally by 1 April 2026, with the threshold rising to 100 percent by 2028.
Mr Chiname said processors are also required to pay the difference between import and local prices into the Agricultural Revolving Fund.
“Processors are also required to pay the difference between import and local prices into the Agricultural Revolving Fund, which shall support farmer development and agricultural investment.”
He said the legislation protects local farmers, promotes domestic production and curbs speculative trading activities in the sector.
Mr Chiname said IGMAZ was encouraged by the impact already being realised through the levy framework.
“We are encouraged that proceeds from the levy framework are already being channelled towards irrigation development and agricultural infrastructure thereby strengthening climate resilience and boosting local production.”
“This is a clear demonstration that the policy is not merely about revenue collection, but contributing towards building long-term national productive capacity.”
He dismissed opposition to the levies, saying such resistance was driven by narrow commercial interests.
“Those opposing the levies are doing so for selfish gains.”
Mr Chiname warned that Zimbabwe could not continue losing scarce foreign currency through avoidable imports.
“Surely, Zimbabwe cannot continue bleeding billions in foreign currency importing products and raw materials that can be produced locally.”
“Government has already indicated that the country is losing in excess of US$4 billion annually through unnecessary imports. This trajectory is economically unsustainable and strategically unviable.”
He said indigenous millers process more than 900 000 metric tonnes of maize and a further 300 000 metric tonnes of traditional grains produced by rural households annually, supporting thousands of small-scale milling enterprises and farmers.
Mr Chiname reiterated the association’s support for Government’s policy direction.
“We therefore fully support Government’s initiatives and policy direction under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, which seeks to protect and promote local grain production, strengthen food security, finance irrigation infrastructure and reduce dependency on imports.”
He urged Government to remain firm in defending local production and industrialisation.
“Zimbabwe must never become a supermarket economy that survives entirely on imported goods while local farmers, industries and communities collapse.”
“We call upon Government to remain firm and resolute in defending local production, protecting indigenous farmers and advancing industrialisation.”
