Mishma Chakanyuka, Staff Writer 
THE government has advised that Zimbabwe’s current grain and cereal stocks at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) will last 11,5 months and 7,3 months respectively.
The stocks will go a long way in ensuring food security in Zimbabwe, as the country strives for food self-sufficiency after failing to produce enough, hence the reliance on imports to cover the food shortage gap.
Industry and Commerce minister Sekai Nzenza
Speaking at a post-cabinet briefing on Tuesday this week, acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Sekai Nzenza said as of November 14, grain stocks at GMB stood at 566 841 metric tonnes comprising 487 274 metric tonnes of maize and 79 567 metric tonnes of traditional grains.
“Using the monthly consumption rate of 49 294 metric tonnes, the available grain will last for 11,5 months,” Nzenza said.
She added that the government is pleased that increased traditional grains intake by Masvingo and Matabeleland North GMB depots bear testimony to the ongoing success of climate-proofing efforts encompassing targeted distribution of seed varieties according to agroecological zones to ensure food security.
Nzenza noted that wheat stocks currently stand at 154 000 metric tonnes, providing a 7,3 months cover at a consumption rate of 21 000 metric tonnes per month.
The cumulative harvested area of the 2022 winter wheat crop stands at 54 716 hectares, translating to 68 percent of the planted area.
“Total production stands at 119 885 metric tonnes of wheat, with damage to the crop caused by the rains recently received across the country still being assessed. The volume of wheat delivered to contractors stands at 46 726,53 metric tonnes,” Nzenza said.
Concerning the upcoming 2022/2023 farming season, the cabinet noted that all agro-ecological zones are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during the period November to December 2022 and January 2023.
The government further advised that inputs distribution, registration, mobilisation and training of farmers was in progress.
“Planting has commenced in some areas, and concerns over the prices of inputs, especially fertiliser, are being looked into,” Nzenza said. newsdesk@fingaz.co.zw
