Our grain can last a year – Government
Pretty Manyewe
Government has assured Zimbabwe that the country has to cover the country`s needs for the next 12 months.
Speaking during today’s Post-Cabinet Briefing, the Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, told the press that the country will not be facing any food shortages as the grain stocks are enough to feed the nation for the next twelve months.
“The GMB grain stocks as of November20, 2022, stand at 561 554 metric tonnes, comprising 482 554 metric tonnes of maize and 79 120 metric tonnes of traditional grains. Using a monthly consumption rate of 49 295 metric tonnes (24 295 metric tonnes for Social Welfare and 25 000 metric tonnes to millers and stock feed manufacturers), the available grain will last for 11.4 months,” said Minister Muswere.
Millers and stock feed manufacturers are expected to import grain to cover the gap in their own requirements.
Regarding wheat supply, he said, “Current wheat stocks at GMB stand at 160 262 metric tonnes, while the millers have 33 500 mt in stock. The GMB stocks will provide 7.6 months’ cover at a consumption rate of 21 000 metric tonnes per month, while the total country stock will last 9.2 months.”
The 58 972 ha which have so far been harvested have culminated in 255 618 metric tonnes of wheat. Unfortunately, a total of 3 980 ha of the wheat crop was damaged by rains, with the largest hectarage of 3 225 being in Mashonaland West province.
Meanwhile, a total of ZW$25.161 billion and US$24 million has since been paid out to farmers for grain intake since April 1, 2022.
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