Millers applaud grain imports liberalisation

MOREBLESSING MARANGE

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has applauded the government for liberalizing the grain market by allowing imports in a move they say will help the country maintain its food self-sufficiency status.

Government also liberalized the grain trading industry to allow private enterprises to buy grain ahead of the EL Nino induced drought expected to cause catastrophic climate change and global food supply chain disruptions.

GMAZ chairman Tafadzwa Musarara said the government’s major intervention and latest policy pronouncement will steady the grain supply in the market and stabilize prices of grain for the long term.

“We welcome the decision by the government. This is meant to increase the participation of the private sector and more so to come up with more capital to assist farmers in the next season,” Musarara said.

“The decision by the government to allow us to commence imports ahead of the EL Nino induced drought is very prudent because it will give us time to ensure there will be no shortage of grain or increase of price in flour, bread and mealie-meal,” he added.

Zimbabwe is expected to experience dry spells, possibly a drought caused by below-average rainfall this summer season, which may affect agricultural output.

The country last experienced El Nino in the 2016 to 2017 rainfall season which was accompanied by a drought.