Government Issues 885 Import Permits to Address Gr...

Government Issues 885 Import Permits to Address Grain Deficit

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Government has issued 885 import permits to 423 private companies in response to Zimbabwe’s severe grain deficit caused by the El Niño-induced drought that has disrupted the 2023/2024 agricultural season.

According to a Cabinet report, private sector entities have already imported over 1 million metric tonnes of grain, including 852,260 tonnes of maize, 184,121 tonnes of wheat, and 340 tonnes of wheat flour.

This initiative complements government efforts to redirect Grain Marketing Board reserves toward relief programs targeting vulnerable populations. During Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Information Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere emphasized the importance of private sector collaboration in ensuring food security until the next harvest.

“The government continues to monitor import volumes, stocks at millers, prices, and sources ahead of the festive season to prevent arbitrage opportunities,” Dr. Muswere stated.

While Zimbabwe has achieved surplus production in ordinary wheat, the country still relies on imports for hard and durum wheat varieties.

This intervention follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration of the 2023/2024 farming season as a national disaster. The country’s poor harvests yielded 868,273 metric tonnes of grain, leaving a deficit of 680,000 metric tonnes to meet national requirements.

Looking ahead, Dr. Muswere announced plans to boost production for the 2024/2025 season. Government aims to produce 3,274,200 metric tonnes of cereals, a significant increase from this year’s 744,271 tonnes. Optimism for the upcoming season is high, with forecasts of normal to above-normal rains potentially replenishing national reserves and reducing dependence on imports.