Sunday Mail Correspondent

Zimbabwe will save over US$80 million through import substitution after local farmers delivered over 155 000 tonnes of wheat to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) this year.

Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) says improved wheat output would ensure the country will have adequate supplies of the cereal next year.

GMAZ is close to concluding a $2,6 billion deal to purchase 80 000 tonnes of the wheat from GMB.

The association’s chairperson, Mr Tafadzwa Musarara, said: “The milling industry is delighted with the Government’s continued support of the local production of wheat.

“The 2020 harvest has saved the country US$80 million, and thus becomes one of the biggest import substitution programmes undertaken by the country.

“In support of this noble agricultural programme, GMAZ has agreed to prepay for 80 000 tonnes of this local wheat worth $2,24 billion.

“This transaction is currently under execution.”

GMAZ-contracted farmers also put 15 000 hectares under wheat.

“We are equally excited of the quality of the 2020 local wheat as it will reduce demand for imports.

“This development enhances national food security. Further, GMAZ in 2020 also contracted local wheat farmers up to 15 000 hectares to compliment the Government’s Command Agriculture Programme.

“In light of this development, we wish to assure the nation that bread flour, industrial and household flour will be adequately available,” said Mr Musarara.

GMB acting chief executive officer Mr Clemence Guta said over 107 000 tonnes of the wheat received so far were classified as first grade.

“The GMB, as of 10 December 2020, had received 155 834.9 tonnes of wheat from farmers.

“Of this amount, 107 752.7 tonnes is Grade A, while 47 888.05 tonnes is ordinary wheat,” he said. GMB is paying $43 778, 84 per tonne for utility or ordinary wheat, while Grade A wheat is fetching a premium price of up to $52 534,61 per tonne.