Story by Theophilus Chuma
Government has enhanced social safety nets for food-insecure households affected by the El Nino-induced drought through accelerating grain movement.
The latest update on the 2023/2024 summer crops marketing and food security outlook to March 2025 and the 2024 winter cereals plan was presented at a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare this Wednesday.
“Current stocks in the Strategic Grain Reserve, comprising wheat, maize and traditional grains are at 264 246 metric tonnes excluding 32 314 metric tonnes imported by the government to date,” said the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere.
Government is also looking at a good wheat harvest, coupled with grain imports estimated at 300 000 metric tonnes to reinforce food security to at least six million food-insecure households affected by the El Nino-induced drought.
“The 200 362 metric tonnes shortfall will be met from the winter wheat harvest surplus on national annual requirement estimated at 240 000 metric tonnes. The government will accelerate depot-to-depot grain movement for the current period, August to October 2024,” noted Dr Muswere.
Stock feed imports are also expected to continue.
Dr Muswere said, “Cabinet also advises that the private sector is advised to import all stock feed requirements to March 2025 of 400 000 metric tonnes and urban maize requirements of up to 450 000 metric tonnes.”
The government is also impressed with the positive outlook in the housing delivery sector.
These developments are part of a holistic strategy outlined under the Second Republic’s 2030 Vision targeted at improving livelihoods across the country.
