Modalities in place for second phase of food aid distribution

GOVERNMENT has started working on the modalities for the second phase of the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Urban Transfer Programme, which will run from next month to October.

In a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said the first three months’ distribution exercise, which started in May is coming to an end this month.

He said the modalities include the grain movement plan, urban cash distribution plan and mobilisation of more financial resources for the three months’ distribution.

“Cabinet considered a report on the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Urban Transfer Programme as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka. As of July 2, 2024, a cumulative 62, 796,84 metric tonnes of grain had been distributed to vulnerable and food insecure people across the country’s provinces,” said Dr Muswere.

He said during the period under review, the Government distributed 9 050,20 tonnes in Manicaland province, 7, 844,61 tonnes to Mashonaland Central, 6 207,03 tonnes to Mashonaland East and 7 919,99 tonnes to Mashonaland West.

In Masvingo Province, 12 246,18 tonnes were delivered while Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces received 4 248,39 and 5 201,15 tonnes respectively. In the Midlands province, a total of 10 104,95 tonnes were delivered.

“Furthermore, a total of 3 397,33 metric tonnes has been collected to date by chiefs across all provinces under the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala Senkosi Strategic Grain Reserve Distribution Programme while District Development Co-ordinators in the provinces will co-ordinate all activities for the impending Public Works Programme,” said Dr Muswere.

The minister also revealed that the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show will be held from August 26 to August 31, under the theme: “Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business. Innovating for Change. Nurturing our Future.” The Show will be organised around the agri-produce, tobacco, cotton, livestock and commercial exhibitions sections.

To date, said Dr Muswere, 52 218 square metres of the available 78 224 square metres for commercial exhibitions has been taken up by 208 exhibitors.

“Exhibitors from Pakistan, Japan, Netherlands, Brazil, Italy, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa and Turkey have shown interest in participating at this year’s Zimbabwe Agricultural Show and the Show Society has partnered with several stakeholders to host business interfaces such as the Environment, Social and Governance breakfast Conference, the 12th Annual National Agribusiness Conference, the Ambassadors Interface and the Research for Agricultural Policy Influence Conference,” he said.

Dr Muswere said the show will be officially opened on August 31 where an array of artistes and musicians are scheduled to perform. Turnstile and ticketing systems will usher in improved systems for both exhibitors’ and visitors’ convenience.

Dr Muswere said great emphasis has been put on the safety and security of both exhibitors and visitors, with wider and more modern Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras having been installed, in addition to the use of drones.

He said the Cabinet received and noted a report on the First Session of the Zimbabwe/Venezuela Joint Permanent Commission on Co-operation, as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Fredrick Shava.

The First Session was held in Caracas, Venezuela from 24 to 27 June where the two countries agreed to expand the co-operation agenda to include sectors such as energy, agriculture, culture, education (including scholarships for higher education), science and technology, mining, housing, youth, air services, transportation, combating unilateral coercive measures, integrating financial services and exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

“The parties agreed to hold regular and periodic consultations and strongly condemned unilateralism and the imposition of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe and Venezuela by Western Countries. A call was made for the unconditional removal of these sanctions and for the democratisation of multilateral institutions, in particular, the reform of the United Nations Security Council to conform to current global challenges,” said Dr Muswere.