LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
The government is confident that the
240 000 tonnes of grain stored in its strategic reserves will be sufficient to feed the populace until April of this year.
The 203 862 tonnes needed until the next harvest are more than sufficient because it is predicted that the nation needs more than 50,000 tonnes per month.
In the latest report, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said no one will starve in Zimbabwe.
“In Mashonaland East, Chikomba, Hwedza and Murehwa have also enough grain that will last for 12 months and Chirumhanzu in Midlands have also enough grain.
“In the country’s traditionally dry southern regions, the people will require food assistance,” reads part of the report.
The Lands ministry said provinces with surpluses are Mashonaland West with 176 759 tonnes, Mashonaland East 87 690 tonnes, Mashonaland Central, 86 561 tonnes and Midlands 83 826 tonnes.
Following the fears of El Nino the grain prices have gone up to US$8 per bucket.
Demand has increased as well, leading to a rising nationwide trend of some households making hurried purchases of necessities like grains.
“Maize meal has emerged as the primary cereal bought by impoverished households in many regions, with prices experiencing a surge of 20% to 50% in US$ over the same time frame.
The availability of maize meal in certain markets is decreasing due to rising demand,”the report said.
According to agriculturalist Edward Dune, late planters could reap the benefits in April.
“In food basket areas, we will still have surplus maize as they are already at the advanced stage hence there is a need for the government to announce attractiuve prices so that the grain can be transferred to the grain deficiency areas.
