Zimbabwe millers welcome maize import ban

GRAIN millers have welcomed government's decision to suspend the importation of maize meal to protect millers from unfair pricing by "opportunists."

Speaking at a meeting for the Northern Region members yesterday, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) chairperson, Tafadzwa Musarara said the suspension of the import permits would allow fair competition on the market.

"We are happy that the importation of maize meal has been suspended after the lapse of the open general licence. Our Millers have been facing challenges through unfair competition by opportunists.

"Some of these opportunists have been buying maize grain through side marketing thereby prejudicing us," Musarara said.

"Government will not issue permits for the importation of maize meal this time. But millers will be given permits through the association to import maize grain. This will help us to have fair pricing competition on the market.  As millers, we will soon embark on a blitz to ensure that we stop any importation of flour or maize meal."

In May 2021, government banned maize imports and suspended import licences for maize grain, maize meal and other maize products to support domestic farmers and millers.

In February this year, government made an about turn and opened borders to allow individuals and companies with free funds to import and ensure regular supply for the milling industry and stockfeed manufacturers.

Speaking at the same meeting Purity Milling official and GMAZ national executive member Adolf Chirimuta said: "The decision by government is plausible and it has been long overdue because local production must be promoted."