Zimbabwe will import 1.4 million metric tonnes of maize between now and July 30 from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Argentina and The United States of America to ease the El Nino induced drought, which left most families in need of food aid, Grain Miller’s Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) Chairman Dr. Tafadzwa Musarara told journalists Thursday.
The move comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the 2023-2024 agricultural season a State of National Disaster.
Speaking at a GMAZ press conference held in Harare, Dr. Musarara said since October 427 000 metric tonnes of mize have been imported, adding that the initiative would continue to ensure the country has food sufficiency.
“I am pleased to announce that from October 15, 2023 to date, GMAZ has imported more than 427 000 metric tonnes of maize into the country, with the current monthly inflows averaging 100 000 metric tonnes. We are aiming to bring 1.4 million metric tonnes of maize between now and July 30, 2024,” said Musarara.
Musarara also appealed to aid agencies to chip in with assistance, adding that they should purchase their maize meal from local companies to boost local industry.
“Aid has the potency to destroy local industries, reversing the industrial growth that has been recorded so far and creating massive unemployment, leading to closure of companies. The drought period must provide a lucrative market to local millers and other supporting industries. We are now appealing to all Relief Aid Agencies to procure their maize meal from local millers,” he said.
Depty Minister of Agriculture, Vangelis Harritatoes, who was the guest of honor on the event, also refuted claims of politicizing food aid in rural areas by the ruling Zanu Pf, giving assurances that all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliations would benefit.
