NEW: Festival season in full swing in Zimbabwe

Theseus Shambare

Festive shopping and greater spending are evident in many shops in and around Harare, as people celebrate Unity Day, Christmas and New Year holidays.

“I have come with my children to do some shopping, and everything is here and prices are still fair,” says Ms Chipo Tagarira, as she navigates the bustling corridors of Harare downtown markets.

In a statement, the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) announced a significant surplus in grain product supply, exceeding demand by a remarkable 38,9 percent.

“We are grateful to the government for their support and to our hardworking farmers who have toiled through challenging conditions to bring us this bounty,” says Mr Tafadzwa Musarara, chairperson of GMAZ.

The news of abundant food supplies has brought a sense of relief and optimism to the nation.

“The grain milling industry has this festive season successfully supplied the local market with various grain processed products , which include maize meal, rice, flour, salt and others.

“Whilst demand is currently high, the suppliers are exceeding demand by more than 38,9% resulting in price stabilisation and products available in all retail shops both formal and informal,” said Mr Musarara.

Recently, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the Government had established at least 50 Grain Marketing Board agro-shops to offer basic commodities at affordable stable prices.

“If you see mealie-meal being purchased beyond US$7,5 per 10 kilogramme, please let us know so that we can intervene by sending appropriately priced mealie-meal to those areas so that businesses do not profiteer from our hunger but they can do business.

“We have 50 shops across the country, established by the GMB where people can buy appropriately priced basics including roller meal. The roller meal is US$5,30 per 10kg.”