By Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
HARARE – “The government remains committed to ensuring national food security through strategic planning and timely interventions,” stated Dr. Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, during a post-cabinet media briefing. He outlined a positive outlook for food security, providing updates on the 2023/2024 summer crops marketing season, the progress of the 2024 winter wheat harvest, and preparations for the upcoming 2024/2025 summer cropping season.
Dr. Muswere reported that 237,710 metric tonnes of grains and oilseeds from the 2023/2024 summer season have been marketed thus far, comprised of 130,244 metric tonnes of maize, 28,748 metric tonnes of soyabeans, and significant contributions from other grains like sorghum, sunflower, wheat, and barley. “We are working diligently to ensure that our farmers receive timely payments for their produce,” the Minister emphasized. He further elaborated on the government’s commitment to supporting farmers by highlighting initiatives such as input provision and facilitating access to markets.
Current grain reserves stand at 228,712 metric tonnes, sufficient to last until January 2025. Dr. Muswere explained, “We have a comprehensive strategy to address the projected shortfall until March 2025. This includes leveraging the anticipated surplus from the winter wheat harvest and strategic grain imports.” He noted that a total of 372,000 metric tonnes of grain is required to support vulnerable rural populations and school feeding programs until March and April 2025, respectively.
The government is actively distributing grain for social welfare programs, with 185,132 metric tonnes already dispatched between February and October 2024. To expedite the delivery of maize-meal to schools, the government will provide resources for milling, packaging, and logistics. “We recognize the importance of the school feeding program and are committed to ensuring its smooth operation,” the Minister affirmed. The expansion of GMB agro-shops to 50 locations, primarily in rural areas, is part of the government’s broader strategy to stabilize prices and enhance access to affordable mealie-meal.
The private sector is playing a vital role in importing grain to meet urban and stockfeed demands, having imported 812,165 metric tonnes since April 2024. Dr. Muswere highlighted the government’s proactive approach in issuing import permits, stating, “We have issued permits for the import of over 4 million metric tonnes of maize, exceeding the estimated deficit to stabilize prices and eliminate arbitrage opportunities.”
The 2024 winter cereals production is estimated at 795,000 metric tonnes, surpassing initial projections. Wheat harvesting is progressing well, with 114,761 metric tonnes already harvested. Dr. Muswere assured the nation that measures are in place to mitigate potential threats to the harvest, including bird surveillance and the deployment of combine harvesters.
The government’s drought mitigation efforts include the establishment of Ward Drought Mitigation Centres across all 1,620 wards. “We have allocated the necessary resources to support vulnerable communities and protect livestock,” Dr. Muswere confirmed.
Turning to the 2024/2025 summer cropping season, the Minister announced a favorable rainfall forecast and the government’s commitment to issuing pre-planting prices for various crops, including cotton for the first time. “This is a significant step towards supporting our cotton farmers and promoting the growth of this important sector,” he added. The Summer Plan targets a substantial increase in cereal production to 3,274,200 metric tonnes and overall crop production to 4,093,700 metric tonnes. Preparations under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program are advancing, with over 40,000 metric tonnes of basal fertilizer already positioned at GMB depots. The government is also implementing farmer contracting schemes and supporting various initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity. “We are taking a ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Sector’ approach, tracking 21 key enablers to ensure the successful implementation of the Summer Plan,” Dr. Muswere concluded.
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