Measures in place to avert food shortages

THE Government has put mitigatory measures in place to avert food shortages in the wake of the looming drought by ensuring food security at household level for vulnerable families across the country until the next harvest.

Zimbabwe and Southern Africa are experiencing El Nino weather conditions, which are characterised by low rainfall and extremely high temperatures.

Due to the El-Nino weather conditions, the country has received inadequate rains this season and farmers across the country have watched their crops wilt due to extended dry periods.

The food deficit mitigation programme under which the Government provides vulnerable households with grain, will require about 24 000 tonnes per month.

The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare is compiling a list of those exposed to hunger as the Government wants to ensure that no one dies of hunger. Those who did not harvest enough grain in the previous season, mostly from drought-prone areas, will be the first to be allocated grain.

In an interview yesterday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo said plans are in place to assist affected people with food aid.

“The Government is fully aware that some areas and districts did not do well in terms of crop production and productivity because of the El-Nino effect. However, the Government will not let anyone die of hunger,” he said.

“We have reserves from the 2022/23 season which will be used to feed those in need. While some districts or areas didn’t do well, other areas did well and we will avail food aid to those in need of assistance.”

Recently, the Ministry revealed that the Treasury has released $11 billion for the transportation of grain relief to vulnerable communities.

Speaking during the National Youth Day commemorations in Masvingo last week, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the Government will soon update the nation on the crop situation.

He said if the country exhausts its reserves, the Government will import to ensure food security at the household level. Dr Masuka said he would assess the crop situation in two weeks and then brief President Mnangagwa if the heat wave persists.

Zanu PF Secretary-General Dr Obert Mpofu, speaking on the sidelines of the party’s victory celebrations in Ward 12 in Umguza yesterday said no one will go hungry.

“We are also coming at a time when there is drought, people have experienced the wilting of their crops, indicating that this year is going to be a bad year for agriculture. The President has assured the nation, people will not be left out to starve because of the Government’s interventions,” he said.

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