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Cereal imports ban looms in Zimbabwe
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The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has recommended a ban on cereal imports in a move aimed at boosting the local grain market and strengthening Zimbabwe's food self-sufficiency. The proposal has been enthusiastically welcomed by farmers, who see it as a long-overdue step toward protecting domestic agricultural production.
Agriculture Minister Dr Anxious Masuka made the recommendation in the 2024/25 Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA-2) report, highlighting that maize production this season is estimated at 2,293,556 tonnes. Traditional grains - such as sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet - are projected to add another 634,650 tonnes to the national output.
According to the report, Zimbabwe's cereal surplus is expected to range between 811,732 and 1,225,732 tonnes, depending on the consumption models used. The government's planning is based on a consumption rate of 120 kilograms per person per year, though actual figures suggest a lower rate of 92.4 kilograms, according to a 2017 survey.
Dr Masuka said the figures support a shift in policy. "Cereal imports should be stopped to encourage purchase of local grain," he stated, citing the need to empower local farmers and reduce reliance on foreign supplies.
The announcement has received widespread backing from farmers' associations. Zimbabwe National Farmers' Union (ZNFU) president Monica Chinamasa applauded the move and urged the agro-processing industry to prioritise the uptake of domestic grain before seeking import permits. She noted that the policy would create fairer conditions for local producers, who have often struggled to compete with cheaper imported cereals.
Zimbabwe Farmers' Union (ZFU) secretary-general Paul Zakariya echoed similar sentiments, saying that the ban offered a vital policy opportunity to stimulate local markets and reduce dependence on external supplies. "Imports should only be allowed after all marketable local grain has been taken up," he said.
However, agricultural experts are calling for a cautious and strategic implementation of the import ban to avoid disrupting the food supply chain. Dr Reneth Mano, executive administrator of the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council (LMAC), warned that an immediate ban could destabilise the agro-processing sector.
He pointed out that much of the maize crop is still in the field and not yet ready for commercial sale due to high moisture levels. Harvesting and natural drying are expected to continue through June and July, with the bulk of the harvest reaching the market between mid-July and the end of August. During this time, the domestic processing industry will require between 280,000 and 320,000 tonnes of maize to maintain operations.
Dr Mano also noted that Zimbabwe is entering the new season without any carry-over stocks from the drought-affected 2023/24 season. He warned that closing borders too early could destabilise food prices, which have remained relatively stable due to strategic imports.
He recommended that the government and private sector work closely to ensure financial readiness to absorb incoming grain from farmers. According to Dr Mano, a trade financing facility of at least US$240 million is needed to guarantee timely payments to farmers delivering between 750,000 and 850,000 tonnes of maize during the June to August marketing window. He added that smallholder and A1 farmers are expected to retain about 1.4 million tonnes for household consumption and food security into 2026/27.
Despite the logistical and financial concerns, Dr Mano remains optimistic. He noted that there is strong private sector interest in purchasing all available local grain between July and September 2025, provided there is adequate support from banks and financial institutions.
The government has also unveiled a new marketing and pricing system for the 2024/25 season designed to ensure both food security and economic stability. Under the new structure, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) will purchase all crops financed under the Presidential Input Scheme and act as the buyer of last resort. Contractors are required to buy back crops they financed at market prices, while self-financed farmers will be free to sell to the highest bidder or to GMB. The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) will serve as the central platform for spot market trading and warehousing.
As the country moves into the new marketing season, the proposed cereal import ban could mark a significant turning point in Zimbabwe's agricultural policy - one aimed at revitalising local production and insulating the economy from external shocks.
Agriculture Minister Dr Anxious Masuka made the recommendation in the 2024/25 Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA-2) report, highlighting that maize production this season is estimated at 2,293,556 tonnes. Traditional grains - such as sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet - are projected to add another 634,650 tonnes to the national output.
According to the report, Zimbabwe's cereal surplus is expected to range between 811,732 and 1,225,732 tonnes, depending on the consumption models used. The government's planning is based on a consumption rate of 120 kilograms per person per year, though actual figures suggest a lower rate of 92.4 kilograms, according to a 2017 survey.
Dr Masuka said the figures support a shift in policy. "Cereal imports should be stopped to encourage purchase of local grain," he stated, citing the need to empower local farmers and reduce reliance on foreign supplies.
The announcement has received widespread backing from farmers' associations. Zimbabwe National Farmers' Union (ZNFU) president Monica Chinamasa applauded the move and urged the agro-processing industry to prioritise the uptake of domestic grain before seeking import permits. She noted that the policy would create fairer conditions for local producers, who have often struggled to compete with cheaper imported cereals.
Zimbabwe Farmers' Union (ZFU) secretary-general Paul Zakariya echoed similar sentiments, saying that the ban offered a vital policy opportunity to stimulate local markets and reduce dependence on external supplies. "Imports should only be allowed after all marketable local grain has been taken up," he said.
He pointed out that much of the maize crop is still in the field and not yet ready for commercial sale due to high moisture levels. Harvesting and natural drying are expected to continue through June and July, with the bulk of the harvest reaching the market between mid-July and the end of August. During this time, the domestic processing industry will require between 280,000 and 320,000 tonnes of maize to maintain operations.
Dr Mano also noted that Zimbabwe is entering the new season without any carry-over stocks from the drought-affected 2023/24 season. He warned that closing borders too early could destabilise food prices, which have remained relatively stable due to strategic imports.
He recommended that the government and private sector work closely to ensure financial readiness to absorb incoming grain from farmers. According to Dr Mano, a trade financing facility of at least US$240 million is needed to guarantee timely payments to farmers delivering between 750,000 and 850,000 tonnes of maize during the June to August marketing window. He added that smallholder and A1 farmers are expected to retain about 1.4 million tonnes for household consumption and food security into 2026/27.
Despite the logistical and financial concerns, Dr Mano remains optimistic. He noted that there is strong private sector interest in purchasing all available local grain between July and September 2025, provided there is adequate support from banks and financial institutions.
The government has also unveiled a new marketing and pricing system for the 2024/25 season designed to ensure both food security and economic stability. Under the new structure, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) will purchase all crops financed under the Presidential Input Scheme and act as the buyer of last resort. Contractors are required to buy back crops they financed at market prices, while self-financed farmers will be free to sell to the highest bidder or to GMB. The Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) will serve as the central platform for spot market trading and warehousing.
As the country moves into the new marketing season, the proposed cereal import ban could mark a significant turning point in Zimbabwe's agricultural policy - one aimed at revitalising local production and insulating the economy from external shocks.
Source - the herald
