Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Government has assured the nation that there are sufficient grain reserves, with more than 180 000 metric tonnes in strategic grain reserves.
This emerged during a tour of the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Aspindale depot in Harare this Wednesday by government officials.
The delegation, led by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, inspected the facilities as part of ongoing state efforts to safeguard national food supplies.
“As a nation, we have sufficient grain stocks. As I speak, our reserves hold 187 000 metric tonnes of grain. What is even more encouraging is that we will soon begin the harvest season, which will further strengthen our food security.”
Stakeholders involved in grain management have pledged to play their part in ensuring national food security and the timely distribution of grain for food assistance.
“We are moving forward with the construction of our silos. At present, work is underway in Mvurwi, Mhangura, and Plumtree, and these facilities are expected to be commissioned soon. They will go a long way in enhancing the storage of grain,” GMB’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Edson Bharai noted.
“From our preparedness mode and our anticipatory plan in this country, we have grain which was set aside strictly for disasters and the grain was mobilised by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He gave us 90 metric tonnes from his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe. We also sourced from the church and in terms of disaster, we can retrieve it,” Civil Protection Unit’s Chief Director, Mr Nathan Nkomo stated.
Grain assessment is vital for ensuring national food security, and it allows authorities to determine the availability and quality of stored grain.
