Govt says 6.2 million rural residents will require...

Govt says 6.2 million rural residents will require assistance

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Chief Reporter

A staggering 6.2 million rural residents will need food assistance by March 2025, according to the government's latest food security outlook

In a bid to ensure food security, Zimbabwe's Cabinet has received an update on the 2023/2024 Summer Crops Marketing and Food Security Outlook to March 2025, as well as the 2024 Winter Cereals Plan.

The report, presented by Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, to the cabinet on Wednesday, reveals a comprehensive plan to meet the country's food needs.

According to the food balance sheet, 6.2 million rural residents will require assistance by March 2025.

To address this, the government aims to secure 464,608.54 metric tonnes of grain, with a current shortfall of 200,362.54 metric tonnes. This will be met through the winter wheat harvest surplus and additional government imports.

Masuka said the Grain Marketing Board has expanded its operations to 50 Agro-shops, supported by 12 hammer mills, to enhance product availability and affordability. These shops offer a range of commodities, including mealie-meal, sugar, and cooking oil.

The private sector is also expected to play a crucial role, importing stock-feed requirements and urban maize needs. To date, 567,160 metric tonnes have been imported, with active import permits worth 1.8 million metric tonnes of maize.

Regarding the Winter Cereals Plan, significant progress has been made, with 121,982 hectares of wheat, 2,100 hectares of maize, and other crops planted. This wheat-based food security strategy is expected to meet the country's needs until March 2025.