885 import permits granted to ensure food security in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean Government has issued 885 import permits to 423 private companies to address food security challenges caused by this year's severe drought. The move aims to bolster the private sector's capacity to import grain for mealie-meal production and other essential products, ensuring adequate food supplies until the next harvest.

Traditionally, private companies purchase grain from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), which sources it from farmers. However, due to depleted GMB stocks redirected to government relief programs, the private sector has been tasked with importing grain to meet market demands.

Import Figures and Monitoring

As of November 20, the private sector has imported over 1 million tonnes of grain, comprising: Maize: 852,260 tonnes. Wheat: 184,121 tonnes. Wheat flour: 340 tonnes

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere highlighted ongoing government monitoring of imports, stock levels, and prices to prevent speculative practices.

"The Government continues to monitor volumes of imports, stocks at millers, import prices, and sources ahead of the festive season to eliminate arbitrage opportunities," he said.

Currently, the GMB holds 269,136 tonnes of grain, including 246,499 tonnes of wheat, with the remainder being maize and traditional grains.

Food Insecurity and Relief Efforts

The El Niño-induced drought has rendered an estimated seven million Zimbabweans food insecure, according to the 2024 Zimbabwe Livelihood Assessment Report. To mitigate the crisis, the Government has been delivering grain rations to vulnerable rural households and providing cash transfers to urban households for food purchases.

Despite these challenges, optimism remains for the 2024-2025 agricultural season, with forecasts of normal to above-normal rains.
Boosting Agricultural Production

Dr. Muswere announced ambitious plans for the summer cropping season aimed at increasing cereal production to 3.27 million tonnes, a 347% increase from the previous season. Total production volumes of major crops are expected to rise to 4.09 million tonnes.

The summer cropping targets include: Maize: 1.8 million hectares. Sorghum: 418,000 hectares. Pearl millet: 275,000 hectares. Finger millet: 27,000 hectares. Soybeans: 77,000 hectares. Groundnuts: 385,000 hectares. Sugar beans: 55,000 hectares

A significant portion of the targeted hectarage - 635,584 hectares - falls under the climate-proofed-PFumvudza/Intwasa Presidential Inputs Scheme, with additional funding from banks and private stakeholders.

The Government has also intensified efforts to protect livestock, distributing feed to 27 districts to support 107,387 cattle. Communities have been mobilizing resources to complement these interventions.

With preparations underway and recent rainfall replenishing water sources and improving grazing conditions, Zimbabwe remains focused on stabilizing food security and enhancing agricultural productivity in the coming year.