Millers to import US$100m maize from Malawi, Zambia

MILLERS intend to import 400 000 tonnes of maize valued at US$ 100 million from Malawi and Zambia after Cabinet in February this year approved imports by private players with free funds to beef up local stocks .

The Government projects maize deliveries totaling 1,5 million tonnes, which is 43 percent lower than the 2,7 million tonnes that was received in the previous farming season.

The envisaged low output is on the back of erratic rainfall received in many parts of the country in the last rainy season.

Zimbabwe’s grain imports, which in the past came from around the world including Eastern Europe and South America, have also been negatively impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a statement, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe ( GMAZ) chairman Tafadzwa Musarara said grain shipments into the country were expected to commence by the end of next month.

“In February 2022, Cabinet invited private grain millers to commence maize imports using free funds to complement local stocks.

“The decision is prudent as it enhances national food security in light of the degeneration of geo-politics in the grain farming regions of Eastern Europe.

“I am pleased to inform the nation that GMAZ has secured 400 000 tonnes of white maize from Malawi and Zambia,” he said.

Mr Musarara said 40 percent of the consignment will be coming from the Food Reserve Agency of Zambia and Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation ( ADMARC) of Malawi.

"Preparations are now underway to ensure that the physical movement of this maize into Zimbabwe commences by no later than June 30, 2022.

“We are most grateful and indeed indebted to Zimbabwe’s Embassy Missions in Zambia and Malawi for their sterling efforts.

“The introduction of economic diplomacy is noble and l hope it will assist other economic sectors in the country,”said Mr

Musarara.

The GMAZ boss in an interview yesterday said his association targeted to import 800 000 tonnes of grain this year to complement existing stocks.

“We want to bring in 800 000 tonnes, this is meant to complement what we have. The world is in a crisis and we need to build as many stocks as possible. The future is uncertain in respect of international trade, 20 countries have banned their exports, so in a way we are building our food security warship against hunger,” he said.

“We have secured 400 000 tonnes of white maize, which is about US$ 100 million.”

In the context of erratic rains Zimbabwe experienced in the last season, traditional grain production is projected at 194 100 tonnes, which is 44 percent less than the 347 968 tonnes output of the previous season, the total cereal production projection is 1,752 million tonnes, against a national cereal requirement of 2,267 million tonnes (1,817 million tonnes for human consumption and 450 000 tonnes for livestock).