Staff Reporter
Government is now shifting its focus to wheat purchases to ensure food security until mid-2025 as the country’s grain stock levels are under pressure as a result of the ongoing El Nino-induced drought.
In a media briefing after the 38th Cabinet session today, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, stated that the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has received only 39 698.88 metric tonnes of maize from the expected 300 000 metric tonnes of imports.
"At the current importation rate, these grain stocks will last until June 2025. The focus will now shift to purchasing local wheat," said Dr. Muswere.
The wheat harvest has already begun, with 1 737 metric tonnes harvested as of September 18, 2024.
Government anticipates a total food requirement of 427 408 metric tonnes until March 2025, with potential to increase this to 464 608 metric tonnes if the ration is adjusted from 7.5 kg to 8.5 kg per person.
Dr. Muswere added, "Currently, 6.2 million people in rural areas are receiving food under social welfare, but as the need increases, more people may be enrolled."
In response to drought conditions in Natural Regions Four and Five, Government is also stepping up its drought mitigation efforts.
Out of the 1 035 wards in these regions, 959 have been targeted for the establishment of Ward Drought Mitigation Centres.
Additionally, 35 drilling rigs have been deployed to eight rural provinces for an emergency water drilling program.
In addition to food security measures, the Minister said that tobacco exports have shown a positive trend, with 144 million kilogrammes exported at an average price of USD 5.28 per kg.
According to Minister Muswere, tobacco seed sales for the upcoming 2024/2025 season have also seen a 45 percent increase compared to last year, with 1 252,244 grams of seed sold, equivalent to 208 707 hectares of tobacco.
With the Government’s efforts focused on securing adequate food supplies and mitigating the effects of drought, attention is now on ensuring that Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.
