Millers import 160 000t maize, expect 250 000t more

THE Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has imported 160 000 metric tonnes of maize and is expecting to get an additional 250 000 metric tonnes in the next 90 days to ease the food crisis induced by drought.

BY TARISAI MANDIZHA

The country is currently grappling with a food deficit and people in rural areas were the most affected by hunger.

In February, government launched a $1,5 billion food aid appeal to feed an estimated three million people following the El Nino-induced drought that affected southern African countries.

The national deficit of 700 000 tonnes of maize was being addressed through importation of grain from a number of countries by both the government and the private sector.

In an interview with NewsDay, GMAZ president Tafadzwa Musarara said the millers’ importation programme commenced in mid-February 2016 after players obtained import permits.

“To date, we have imported 160 000 metric tonnes of maize and are expecting to get additional 250 000 metric tonnes in the next 90 days. Part of that future consignment is now in the high seas, in transit to Zimbabwe,” he said.

He said GMAZ had the responsibility to provide grain for the commercial sector, mainly maize provisions to both wholesale and retail sectors and also to provide for the supply of stock feeds to the livestock sectors.

Musarara said the millers were purchasing the local maize at a price of $335 per metric tonne this forthcoming season.

“In this regard, given the manifestation of our import plans so far, I am confident that there will not be any shortage. GMAZ is ready to supply more than adequate stocks to the commercial sector,” he said.

He, however, said GMAZ was hopeful that the National Railways of Zimbabwe industrial strike would be resolved as this had a negative impact on the transportation of maize.

He urged government to consider opening Forbes Border Post for 24 hours to allow road traffic to flow expeditiously.

Government has taken delivery of over 500 000 tonnes of grain, almost half of the country’s requirement until December.

The country needs slightly over 1,3 million tonnes of maize until the end of the year.

The target for the Importation Programme February to December 2016 is 1 361 452 metric tonnes valued at $560 918 224 and to date, 526 802 metric tonnes have been imported.
Contracts for maize importation for 630 000 metric tonnes were signed between the Grain Marketing Board and private players.

Of these contracts, a total of 129 000 metric tonnes of grain have been delivered.

According to the Agriculture ministry, the target for next year January to March requires a total of 450 000 tonnes valued at an estimated cost of $185 292 000.