Langa Mabena
Gibson Mhaka
ZIMBABWE’S food security is projected to remain stable until the 2025 harvest, with current grain stocks at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) sufficient to meet the needs of rural communities.
In his post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, stated that the report on food security outlook for the 2024/2025 summer season was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
“The current grain stock at the Grain Marketing Board is enough to meet the needs of rural communities until the next harvest, expected from April 2025.
“Grain stocks are currently 129 149 metric tonnes. Government continues to monitor volumes of imports, stocks at millers, import prices and import sources in order to eliminate arbitrage opportunities,” said Dr Masuka.
Minister Muswere said the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has set up 214 surveillance traps for the African Armyworm, which is experiencing its worst outbreak in 20 years across the country.
“All districts now have chemicals for “standby reaction” to this pest. Sixty trucks, one for each district, have been purchased in order to timely respond to this pest menace and to be better prepared going forward.
“Additionally, 639 809 knapsack sprayers have also been distributed to some beneficiaries of the Presidential Input Scheme,” said Minister Muswere.
Dr Muswere stated that Cabinet has also considered and approved the implementation of the Presidential Solarisation Programme Report, which was presented by the Minister of State for National Security, Lovemore Matuke.
“Following the approval of the Implementation Plan for the Presidential Solarisation Programme in December 2024, significant milestones have been made towards the provision of solar power to 200 000 households.
“Guidelines for the implementation of the programme have been established with stakeholder mapping and identification of beneficiaries in villages across the eight rural provinces already completed,” he said.
Minister Muswere further stated that community mobilisation and awareness processes, which were being spearheaded by the Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, have been completed.
“Graduates of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe with assistance from experts from the Harare Institute of Technology and the Rural Electrification Agency will install a total of 200 000 solar kits to the identified households.
“His Excellency President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa will launch the Presidential Solarisation Programme to mark the official commencement of the first year of the Programme,” said Dr Muswere.
Online Reporter