‘450 000 tonnes in strategic grain reserve’: Govt

by | Mar 18, 2024 | Business, Local News, Wheather | 0 comments

‘450 000 tonnes in strategic grain reserve’: Govt

 

Business Reporter

 

ZIMBABWE has 450 000 tonnes of cereals in the strategic grain reserve which, with imports and the next harvest, will ensure no one will starve despite crop failure and reduced yields caused by erratic rains due to El-Nino.

 

Speaking at Banga Irrigation Scheme in Chivi South Constituency at the weekend, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the country has 190 000 tonnes of maize at the Grain Marketing Board and 260 000 tonnes of wheat, which is 450 000 tonnes of cereals.

 

“According to our preliminary estimates, the majority of households around the country only have meagre food stocks that are enough to last them up until around the end of winter and the Government has plans to start food distribution to vulnerable households soon after that.

 

“This time, the food will be distributed to all those in need and we are going to make sure that no one starves. President Mnangagwa has already given the nation an assurance that no one will die of hunger.”

 

Minister Masuka said the Government will move away from the old model where food was distributed per household, with every vulnerable person in terms of food getting a monthly allocation.

 

Realising the threat to food security due to irregular rainfall as a result of climate change, Government is now intensifying the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes around the country to boost agricultural productivity.