The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has engaged key stakeholders, including the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe and the Grain Marketing Board, to discuss the supply of maize meal in the country. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Sithembiso .G. G. Nyoni, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, assured the nation that the Grain Millers and the Grain Marketing Board have committed to supplying sufficient maize meal through various distribution outlets, including formal retailers. Additionally, ZIMRA, the customs authority, has pledged to facilitate the clearance of imported maize at ports of entry and exit. However, the minister does not provide specific details or an assessment of the current state of maize supply. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>PRESS STATEMENT BY THE HON. MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE ON THE STATUS OF SUPPLY OF MAIZE MEAL IN THE COUNTRY</h3>
1. As we celebrate the festive season and the ushering of the New Year 2024, I am delighted that in line with the whole-of government approach, we have managed to continue with our robust engagements with the private sector.
2. In an effort to enhance consumer welfare, the Ministry continues to monitor the prices and availability of 14 basic commodities which are cooking oil, mealie-meal, bathing soap, beef, bread, chicken, eggs, flour, fresh milk, laundry soap, rice, salt, sugar, and washing powder. The aim is to ensure that the consumer has access to basic products at affordable prices.
3. On 3 January 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held robust engagements with key stakeholders, including various Government Agencies and the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe. The purpose was to deliberate on the maize supply situation, a basic commodity which is required by the nation.
4. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce therefore, wishes to advise the nation that the Grain Millers have committed to supply the country with adequate maize meal through the various distribution outlets, including the formal retailers. In addition, the Grain Marketing Board has also committed to avail and distribute maize to the millers through its various depots countrywide. In terms of imported maize, ZIMRA has committed to operate special routes to fast track the clearance at the various ports of entry and exit.
5. The Ministry also had an opportunity to meet the major wholesalers and retailers and similar commitments were made to ensure availability of basic commodities on the shelves, particularly roller meal for easy accessibility by consumers.
6. The Ministry will continue to monitor the supply situation and appraise the nation accordingly.
7. Let me applaud the local industry, both the manufacturers and the retailers for their continued support to Government policies to ensure consistent availability of basic commodities on the market.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe faces food shortages because of the El Nino effect, a natural climate pattern that makes the weather hotter and reduces rainfall in southern Africa and other places. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said in November 2023 that the El Nino event will continue until at least April 2024. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Industry And Commerce Minister Update On Status Of Maize Meal Supply

In August, the Zimbabwean government revealed plans to export around 60,000 tonnes of surplus wheat stocks in 2024. This decision comes as the country anticipates another successful wheat harvest this year, resulting in an excess supply beyond domestic needs. At the same time, Zimbabwe is among six African countries that are expected to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia. This has left some people confused.
According to a report from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Zimbabwe is expecting to yield 420,000 tonnes of wheat from its winter crop. This indicates a positive outlook for the country’s agricultural sector in terms of wheat production. Read the report:
<blockquote>
The country planted 90 000 hectares of wheat in the current winter cropping season from which we expect 420 000 tonnes of wheat, which is about 60 000 more than the national requirement.
Because of the targeted harvest, the country will be self-sufficient for a second year running and we will be able to export wheat to our sister countries in Africa.
</blockquote>
Agronomist Anderson Magura affirms that Zimbabwe’s recent agricultural achievements, notably in wheat and maize production, are accurately represented by the projected harvest figures. Previously, the country experienced bread price increases due to shortages of both local and imported wheat, forcing millers to heavily depend on imported wheat funded through the black market.
Meanwhile, at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in St Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to provide grain aid of up to 50,000 tons to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea, and the Central African Republic within the next three to four months. While discussing the halted Black Sea grain deal, Putin said:
<blockquote>
Our country will continue supporting needy states and regions, in particular, with its humanitarian deliveries. We seek to actively participate in building a fairer system of distribution of resources. We are taking maximum efforts to avert a global food crisis.
I have already said that our country can replace Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial basis and as grant aid to the neediest African countries, more so since we expect another record harvest this year.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Russia announced that Turkey has tentatively agreed to handle one million metric tonnes of grain to be sent to Africa at a discounted price. This arrangement is supported financially by Qatar. Russia proposed this plan after terminating a previous deal in July that allowed Ukraine to safely ship grain from its Black Sea ports in an effort to stabilize rising global food prices, which were worsened by Russia’s invasion. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters:
<blockquote>
All agreements in principle have been reached. We expect that in the near future we will enter into working contacts with all parties to work out all the technical aspects of the scheme for such deliveries.
</blockquote>
Turkey will handle the onward export of Russian grain, but the details of its role are unclear. Russia terminated the prior deal due to obstacles to its grain exports caused by sanctions and dissatisfaction with grain distribution to poorer countries.
<h3>Why Is Zimbabwe Simultaneously Exporting And Importing Wheat</h3>
For the past two decades, Zimbabwe has been blending imported wheat from Russia, Canada, and Australia with local wheat to produce bread flour. Blending occurs at various points in the supply chain, taking into account factors such as the original grain quality, desired final product quality, and contractual obligations. Zimbabwe imports approximately 30% of its total hard wheat requirements to blend different varieties and produce high-quality flour for delicious, long-lasting bread, according to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tafadzwa_Musarara/">Tafadzwa Musarara</a>, Chairman of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
The quality of our local wheat is good, compared to the regional wheat and it is doing well in the production of biscuits and a number of other products. In relation to bread, we have to mix varieties to give us good durable bread such as Russian wheat flour.
</blockquote>
The National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe (NBAZ) recently expressed concerns about the quality of locally produced wheat. According to NBAZ Vice President Sharon Maparura, the desired ratio is roughly 70% local wheat and 30% imported wheat, but shortages of foreign currency for importing blending wheat often result in a higher proportion of local wheat, impacting flour quality. This requires additional costs for enzymes and additives, ultimately affecting consumers.
Tafadzwa Musarara noted that instances of poor-quality local wheat in Zimbabwe are rare and usually caused by limited water for irrigation during wheat production.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Why Zimbabwe Is Simultaneously Exporting And Importing Wheat

Grain millers have welcomed the government’s decision to suspend the importation of maize meal to protect millers from unfair pricing by “opportunists.”
The suspension of the import permits would allow fair competition on the market, NewsDay reported quoting Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) chairperson, Tafadzwa Musarara.
Speaking at a meeting for the Northern Region members yesterday, Musarara said:
<blockquote>
We are happy that the importation of maize meal has been suspended after the lapse of the open general licence. Our Millers have been facing challenges through unfair competition by opportunists.
Some of these opportunists have been buying maize grain through side marketing thereby prejudicing us.
Government will not issue permits for the importation of maize meal this time. But millers will be given permits through the association to import maize grain. This will help us to have fair pricing competition on the market. As millers, we will soon embark on a blitz to ensure that we stop any importation of flour or maize meal.
</blockquote>
In May 2021, the government banned maize imports and suspended import licences for maize grain, maize meal and other maize products to support domestic farmers and millers.
In February 2022, the government reversed the ban and allowed individuals and companies with free funds to import and ensure regular supply for the milling industry and stockfeed manufacturers.
This was after surveys by the government and its partners, including the World Food Programme, had established that about 5.4 million (36%) of Zimbabweans are facing hunger in the current season.
Government critics say <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Command_Agriculture_2016">billions of dollars that were used in recent years allegedly to boost the agriculture sector</a> were abused by political elites.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"We're Happy Importation Of Maize Meal Has Been Suspended" - Millers

An estimated 90 000 tonnes of wheat have been harvested and delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), representing about a quarter of this year’s projected winter wheat harvest, The Sunday Mail reported citing government officials.
Over 95 per cent of the cereal has now reached the maturity stage, with the authorities advising farmers to speed up harvesting before the onset of the rainy season.
Already, farmers have lost wheat valued at over US$900 000 to veld fires.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services chief director Professor Obert Jiri told The Sunday Mail that nearly 90 000 tonnes of the cereal had been delivered to the GMB by October 27. Jiri said:
<blockquote>
To date, our farmers have delivered 89 000 tonnes of wheat to the GMB, and we are happy that we have no transport challenges.
We have witnessed a slow start to the selling season because the production was delayed due to the late maturity of the summer season crops.
But everything is in order and our farmers are on the ground, making sure the grain is harvested before the rains.
</blockquote>
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos urged farmers to take advantage of over 110 combine harvesters deployed to 20 centres countrywide to facilitate timely harvests. He told The Sunday Mail in an interview:
<blockquote>
We recently lost more than US$900 000 of wheat to veld fires.
This will not adversely affect our projected harvest target. However, one cent lost is one cent too much, so we need to avert any more losses going forward.
Farmers need to utilise the available combine harvesters that were distributed by the Government for wheat harvesting to avoid losses caused by rain.
</blockquote>
This year’s rainy season is expected to start during the second week of November and farmers are urged to have finished harvesting as the rainfall compromises the quality of wheat.
Zimbabwe has an annual wheat requirement of about 360 000 tonnes, while this year’s harvest is projected to be above 380 000 tonnes.
Meanwhile, Russia this Saturday halted Ukraine’s Black Sea grain exports accusing Ukraine of attacking the Black Sea Fleet near Sevastopol on the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula with 16 drones on Saturday.
Moscow also said British navy specialists had helped coordinate the “terrorist” attack.
This will worsen the global food crisis which followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe: Nearly 90 000 Tonnes Of Wheat Harvested And Delivered To GMB

Payments to wheat farmers for the 2021 season are likely to be delayed after millers, who had pledged $5.5 billion to complement government funds, were scandalised by a parliamentary report which left them exasperated.
The report, by the portfolio committee on Lands, Agriculture, and Fisheries Portfolio Committee, alleged that millers abused a US$28.6 million they were granted by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to import wheat between 2014 and 2019.
The report recommends the arrest of Tafadzwa Musarara who chairs the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) who was the chief negotiator in the importation of wheat.
Sources believe the matter was politicised adding that Musarara is being targeted as he is allegedly vying for the ZANU PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairmanship which is currently held by HomeAffairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
It is believed that Kazembe is a close associate of the Lands committee’s chairperson, Justice Mayor Wadyajena. Said a source in the milling industry:
<blockquote>
These are private funds and the wheat was bought by companies that mobilised funds in local currency and later sourced foreign currency. The current fiasco has greatly demoralised millers and there are indications that they may withhold their funds meant to pay workers.
What has surprised everyone is that the money was sourced and used by all millers involved and now the committee recommends the arrest of Musarara who did not even handle the money.
The timing of the report is suspicious in that it comes at a time Musarara and Kazembe are fighting for control of the province. Remember his committee sat in 2019 and only produces the report now when elections for provincial posts are around the corner.
</blockquote>
The source added that the report was an attempt by Kazembe to cripple Musarara financially adding that the wrangle will affect farmers. 
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-fights-delay-wheat-payments-as-millers-banks-pull-out-of-56-billion-deal/">NewZimbabwe</a><a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-fights-delay-wheat-payments-as-millers-banks-pull-out-of-56-billion-deal/"> </a>

Millers, Banks Pull Out Of $5.5 Billion Wheat Deal

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe on Thursday issued a statement notifying that the prices of bread had been reduced to $66.
We present the statement in full below.
<blockquote>
1. in May 2020. Grain Marketing Board advised millers that they had run out of wheat and millers had to import on their own to meet market requirements. this led millers to resume imports using tree funds. Regrettably, the price of bread flour could not be stabilised as before as it was now susceptible to vagaries of moving rate. Consequently, in the past 8 weeks, bread prices moved from 2WD18 per standard loaf of bread to current price of ZW07400 per standard loaf of bread largely on account of flour. Equally affected was also the rest of confectionery and biscuit products.
2. Admittedly, the price of bread, a necessity in all households, had become expensive and indeed worsened the cost of living. Following the reestablishment of the Foreign Currency Auction System by Reserve Bank, GMAZ, has had fruitful discussions with the RB2 Governor, Dr. Mangudya, whereupon foreign currency allocations to millers are now being made.
3. As a result, on behalf of wheat millers. I am pleased to advise that the cost of bread flour, with effect from 3, July 2020, has been reduced from ZWD3,150/50kg to ZWD2,136.89
4, Consequently, the bakers have committed to reduce the price of a standard loaf of bread from Wholesale Price of ZWD70.00 and Retail Price of ZWD79.00 to Wholesale Price of ZWD59 and Retail Price of ZWD66.00. From now on, our prices will be guided by the Foreign Currency Auction outcomes.
5. Further, GMAZ private wheat imports are continuing and we are endeavouring to ensure national adequate supplies between now and December 31, 2020.
T. Musarara CHAIRMAN</blockquote>

FULL TEXT: GMAZ Statement Announcing Reduction Of Bread Price

The President of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Tafadzwa Musarara (TM) has said that maize stocks in the country remain at stressed levels.
Musarara was speaking to NewDay’s Midlands reporter Brenna Matendere (ND) in a recent interview during which he indicated that country needs to adopt drought-busting measures to address the current food shortages.
We present below excerpts from the interview.
<blockquote>ND: What is the current state of grain and, in particular, national stocks of maize? 
TM: Stocks remain below requirement, but not very critical. I am unable to mention figures at the moment since it’s a national security issue.
ND: How many tonnes do you have and what are you using the maize for? 
TM: Following the government dispensation we got in December 2019, we have imported more than 150 000 metric tonnes. To date, we have in hold 40 000 metric tonnes. This importation programme complements government maize imports.</blockquote>
Musarara also indicated that the price moratorium which was announced by Vice President Kembo Mohadi ends at the end of this month.
The government had directed businesses and millers to price their commodities using the 25 March 2020 prices in a bid to cushion members of the public from the effects of the coronavirus-induced lockdown.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/05/maize-meal-price-wont-change-until-monthend/">NewsDay</a>

"Mealie-Meal A National Security Issue," - GMAZ

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) on Friday introduced a zonal maize meal distribution system which is premised at reducing the movement of citizens and queueing.
The system, as announced by the association, will see mealie-meal delivered to all residential shops at selected urban areas.
GMAZ chairman, Mr Tafadzwa Musarara said that the association has partnered with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to come up with the initiative. In a statement, Musarara said:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Republic Police has agreed to members of Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe nationwide supplying maize meal using a zonal system in the main seven hotspots namely Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo, Marondera, Kwekwe, Gweru and Chitungwiza. This arrangement will provide for more shops to receive and sell maize meal so that consumers buy the product in their respective areas of residence. The police will provide the necessary passage and will deploy details to oversee the delivery and selling of the maize meal.</blockquote>
This comes as elongated queues of people in search of the commodity have been seen in towns despite the 21-day lockdown which prohibits gatherings.
Zimbabwe has an acute shortage of mealie-meal and the government is importing and subsidising the commodity.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/zonal-maize-meal-facility-introduced/">The Sunday News</a>

Zimbabwe Introduces Mealie-Meal Distribution System To Curb Rampant Movement And Queueing

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) on Tuesday said that millers shall not release mealie-meal into the market until the government has increased the price of the commodity.
GMAZ also announced that the Zimbabwean government owes millers $120 Million ZWL with the debt going back to December of last year. In a statement, GMAZ said:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) is happy to announce that we have so far managed to import 10 000 metric tonnes of maize from South Africa, whose efforts have been made possible by the government which has given us the opportunity to import.
We are, however, waiting for a review of the price of roller meal subsidy from the government so that we pump the product into the market and hope to improve the supply of the commodity within the next 30 days.
Millers are currently owed an excess of ZWD120 million by the government in roller subsidy refunds dating back from last December, and this is affecting the constant supply of roller meal. Under normal circumstances, the subsidy payments should come within seven days.
Our National Chairman, Mr. Tafadzwa Musarara, is on a regional and international crusade where he is engaging with grain producers and suppliers, as we intensify grain procurement with the aim of complementing government efforts of ensuring food security.
The CoronaVirus epidemic has also affected our trips to Asia and related destinations where we intend to procure rice, maize, and wheat.
GMAZ remains committed to fulfilling our mandate and moral duty of ensuring national food security.
<cite>GMAZ’s Garikai Chaunza</cite></blockquote>
The announcement is made when the country has a very huge deficit in mealie-meal that has seen citizens making elongated queues to buy the commodity.

Millers "Withholding Mealie-Meal Until Government Increases Prices"

Zimbabwe Republic Police have reportedly recovered five thousand tonnes of mealie-meal from millers in Harare amid reports that some millers are abusing the subsidised mealie-meal.
This comes when there is an acute scarcity of mealie-meal in the country due to drought and poor agriculture policies.
There are also reports suggesting that some millers were even <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/02/18/bigger-millers-exporting-subsidised-mealie-meal-to-drc-united-millers-and-others/">exporting the scarce commodity to the Democratic Republic of Congo</a> (DRC) when the government is importing grain and also receiving food aid from sympathisers and stakeholders.
See pictures below.
<img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="571" data-maxwidth="1024" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERjZvnUWAAAWjYu?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="573" data-maxwidth="1024" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERjZvnrWAAA9pLh?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="577" data-maxwidth="1024" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERjZvngXUAE8lEZ?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="574" data-maxwidth="1024" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERjZvnhXUAIdKJx?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/ZBCNewsonline/status/1231974418475339776">ZBC News</a>

PICTURES: Police Recover Over 5 000 Tonnes Of Mealie-Meal From Millers In Harare - ZBC News

Norton legislator (independent), Temba Mliswa has said Justice Mayor Wadyajena must recuse himself from the Parliamentary committee that is investigating possible abuse of funds by the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) as he is allegedly using the platform to settle scores with GMAZ president, Tafadzwa Musarara.
Wadyajena, who chairs the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, alleges that GMAZ received US$27 million for the importation of wheat but GMAZ is refuting the allegations.
Mliswa and MDC legislators have said that due to conflict of interest, Wadyajena should not continue to chair the committee. Posting on Twitter, Mliswa said:
<blockquote>This letter forms basis enough for  <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/JusticeMayorW" role="link">@JusticeMayorW</a> to recuse himself. The Committee has a number of competent members to Chair in his place. It’s concerning, however, the number of assertions against him. I’ve made my own with regards his conflict with Kuda Tagwirei
<img alt="Image" class="css-9pa8cd" decoding="async" draggable="true" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERd-NqkWAAAduAW?format=jpg&amp;name=small"/><img alt="Image" class="css-9pa8cd" decoding="async" draggable="true" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERd-NqiXYAI9dCX?format=jpg&amp;name=small"/><img alt="Image" class="css-9pa8cd" decoding="async" draggable="true" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERd-NqfWkAAzL8m?format=jpg&amp;name=small"/>
In order to mitigate MPs possibly using positions in Parly Committees to settle scores or for selfish gain a rotational system should be implemented. Parly must be above corruption. Precedence has been set, the Committees aren’t about individuals but the institution
This is the same MP who’s yet to account for his source of income in purchasing trucks &amp; a Lamborghini or for the requisite duty. However we have those like <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/GeniusKadungure" role="link">@GeniusKadungure</a> in jail for the same. Why is it different strokes for different folks?</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/TembaMliswa/status/1231591828786491392">Mliswa</a>
<blockquote> </blockquote>

Mliswa Says Wadyajena Should Recuse Himself From Committee Investigating Corruption-Accused Musarara

United Millers have claimed that there are ‘bigger millers’ who were exporting the subsidised mealie-meal to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The accused millers reportedly have links with political elites suggesting that they will also enjoy impunity. United Millers and others made these remarks today while testifying before Parliamentary Agriculture Committee that is led by Gokwe Nembudziya legislator, Justice Mayor Wadyajena.
The development comes when the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, led by <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/02/03/zanu-pf-youths-name-looters-wreaking-havoc-on-the-economy/">corruption-accused Tafadzwa Musarara</a>, refused to appear before the committee.
The <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/02/11/gmaz-should-be-accountable-for-usd27m-it-was-given-for-wheat-importation-justice-m-wadyajena/">committee wanted the association to account for the US$27 million</a> it allegedly received fro the government through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to import wheat.
GMAZ opted to appear before the Tendai Biti-led Parliamentary Accounts Committee adding that it <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/02/11/full-text-gmaz-say-they-didnt-receive-us27m-from-govt-as-wadyajena-claims-but-actually-lent-its-money-to-govt/">never received the alleged money but actually lent its money to the government.</a>
The alleged exportation of mealie-meal is happening when the country has an acute shortage of mealie-meal due to drought and poor agricultural policies.
Zimbabwe is importing maize from neighbouring countries including Tanzania. The government has also appealed to stakeholders to assist the country with food to address severe starvation in the country.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/NewZimbabweCom/status/1229711262231252992">New Zimbabwe</a>

"Bigger Millers Exporting Subsidised Mealie-Meal To DRC," - United Millers And Others

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe has revealed the reasons the association refused to appear before the Parliamentary Committee led by ZANU PF legislator, Justice Mayor Wadyajena whilst accepting to appear before the Tendai Biti-led PAC.
Wadyajena alleged that GMAZ was given US$27 million for the importation of wheat and now has to account for the money. GMAZ responded saying:
<blockquote>Reasons for not appearing before the said Portfolio are in the letter by our attorneys parly. We never received $27M from govt as claimed. We have lent funds to govt for silo repairs. We challenge anyone to produce proof of the disbursements.
<img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="1334" data-maxwidth="750" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQgbjjAXYAEXn3Z?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="594" data-maxwidth="334" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQgbji2XUAA2qhh?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="594" data-maxwidth="334" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQgbjjKUwAUOIa8?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/></blockquote>

FULL TEXT: GMAZ Say They "Didn't Receive US$27M From Govt" As Wadyajena Claims But Actually "Lent Its Money To Govt"

Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture Chair, Justice Mayor Wadyajena has said that it is not necessary for Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) to engage lawyers but just account for the US$27 million it was given for wheat importation.
His remarks come after GMAZ has reportedly refused to appear before Wadyajena’s committee which is probing how the organization used $27 million it received from government preferring to appear before the Tendai Biti Public Accounts Committee.
Posting on Twitter following the development, Wadyajena said:
<blockquote>GMAZ cannot dictate to Parliament which Committee they want to appear before, having been given USD$27milliion for wheat importation. There is absolutely no need to engage lawyers when all we seek is accountability.</blockquote>
The country last year experienced acute bread shortages with authorities saying that wheat reserves had dried up.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe then disbursed the US$27 million in question for the importation of wheat.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/JusticeMayorW/status/1227200555568726016">Justice Mayor Wadyajena</a>

"GMAZ Should Be Accountable For USD$27M It Was Given For Wheat Importation," Justice M Wadyajena

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Sekai Nzenza has issued a statement over the maize Roller Meal subsidy programme.
The statement is issued when retail shops are reportedly running out of mealie meal.
We present the Minister’s statement in full below.
<img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="1024" data-maxwidth="768" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENSTGCUWsAELV0X?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="1024" data-maxwidth="768" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENSTGCUWoAEzSoP?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>

Minister Of Industry Issues Statement On Maize Roller Meal Subsidy Programme

The government has slated a Friday meeting with millers when the country is experiencing a huge shortage of mealie meal.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) Public Relations Manager, Garikai Chaunza told New Zimbabwe that the government was meeting millers from all over the country. Chaunza said:
<blockquote>Government will this Friday meet with millers from all over the country and iron out issues affecting the availability of subsidised roller meal.

High on the agenda of the meeting is the registration of millers and grain supply whose issues have affected the availability of roller meal on the market.</blockquote>
The government was recently forced to restore subsidies on maize after the prices shot up leaving consumers stranded.
Zimbabwe is importing grain from other countries including Tanzania following a poor farming season reportedly due to the El Nino induced drought and Cyclone Idai.
Some analysts add misgovernance on the list of factors that affected the agriculture sector saying that the reportedly missing US$3 billion could have ensured a good harvest in the country.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/govt-summons-milling-firms-amid-acute-mealie-meal-scarcity/">New Zimbabwe</a>

Govt Sets Meeting With Millers Over Huge Scarcity Of Mealie Meal

Millers have threatened to raise prices of mealie meal again saying that the Ministry of Finance has not yet paid them the agreed subsidy.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/11/26/picture-price-of-mealie-meal-moves-to-another-level/">Prices of mealie-meal had reached as high as ZWL517.30 per 50kg</a> before the government engaged millers whom they promised subsidies on roller meal resulting in prices falling to an average of ZWL$50.
We present below the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe’s letter to the Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube.
<img alt="" class="media-img" data-maxheight="505" data-maxwidth="401" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ELlS4IOXUAAXUpd?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>

FULL TEXT: Millers Threaten To Raise Prices Of Mealie-Meal, Again

The price of bread has been going up over the past 24 months. Shortage of wheat has been cited as the major cause for the price increase. Other factors which worsened the problem include scarcity of foreign currency and power cuts. Below we present pictures to show how the prices of bread have been increasing in the country.
<ol>
<li>September 2018</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" src="https://zimpricecheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bread_2018-min-800x600.jpg"/>
2. 2018 Bread Shortages Period
<img decoding="async" src="http://zimpricecheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/big_bun_2018-min-768x1024.jpg"/>
3. 16 April 2019
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-91133" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Price-Of-Bread-3.50-225x300.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Price-Of-Bread-3.50-225x300.jpg 225w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Price-Of-Bread-3.50-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Price-Of-Bread-3.50-600x800.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Price-Of-Bread-3.50.jpg 810w" width="225"/>
 
4. June 19, 2019
4. August 23, <img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-103804" decoding="async" height="300" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bread-Price-169x300.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bread-Price-169x300.jpg 169w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bread-Price-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bread-Price-600x1067.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bread-Price.jpg 675w" width="169"/>2019
<img alt="AT $7 Bread Is Now Too Expensive For Most Zimbabweans As Supermarket Shelves Remain Full Of Bread" decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/zimpricecheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/lobels_bread-min.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&amp;ssl=1"/>
4. 2019 (Most recent)
<img decoding="async" src="http://zimpricecheck.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lobels_bread_price_september_2019-min-1024x768.jpg"/>
More: <a href="https://zimpricecheck.com/news/pictures-bread-prices-2018-and-now/?utm_source=rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=pictures-bread-prices-2018-and-now">Zim Price Check</a>

PICTURES: Evolution Of Bread Prices Since 2018

The Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) chairperson, Mr. Tafadzwa Musarara has announced that the association will be dispatching price monitoring officers this coming Monday.
The association revealed that it will stop supplying retailers that are to be found pricing basic commodities beyond stipulated margins.
Speaking at a retailers-wholesalers joint meeting in Bulawayo last Thursday, Musarara said:
<blockquote>Bulawayo will have price monitoring officers hovering around on Monday next week (this week) and they will interrogate where they will find unjustified price markups. Retailers who will not comply will face blacklisting.</blockquote>
Musarara added that the association shall, on a weekly basis, be notifying consumers of any changes to prices. He added:
<blockquote>Due to technological advancements what we are going to do is that we can on daily or weekly basis advise retailers or consumers on the price movements…and do all the necessary consultations with Government.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/commodity-prices-set-as-monitors-descend-on-shops/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Sunday News</a>

Price Monitoring Officers To Be Dispatched This Week

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has threatened to sue Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) senior journalist Judith Makwanya over a televised report that they were spinning RBZ-issued foreign currency on the parallel market.
On February 26 this year, Makwanya reported about one Douglas Kwande, a local farmer from Gweru who was said to be in the business of baking bread using locally-produced wheat. GMAZ dismissed allegations there were milling companies that were reluctant to support wheat producers. They also denied receiving or requesting foreign currency from RBZ, which they allegedly spin on the black market.
GMAZ instructed their lawyers Wintertons Legal Practitioners to demand the specific names of the milling companies selling foreign currency on the black market, the exact black market dealers who have dealt with milling companies and the names of wheat producers who have requested for support from the alleged milling companies. GMAZ lawyers said if Makwanya fails to avail the names they will institute legal proceedings against her in her personal capacity for possible injury and possible harm to the reputation of milling companies currently operating in Zimbabwe. The letter was served to Makwanya on March 1 and she is yet to respond.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/03/millers-threaten-to-sue-zbc-scribe-over-report/">NewsDay</a>
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Millers Threaten To Sue Judith Makwanya Over Story

The National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe (NBAZ) is reported to have held secret consultations to increase the price of a single loaf of bread to $4 – $5. The bakers who recently increased the price of bread by 10 percent, want the price to be pegged against the United States Dollar citing a lack of foreign currency for the purchase of inputs. NBAZ president Ngoni Mazango told the Sunday Mail,
<blockquote>As an industry, we have a challenge of foreign currency like other industries as well. We are not getting enough (foreign currency) allocations from the Reserve Bank…People are asking in either US dollars or some are multiplying using current exchange rates, which have shot up…(The price of) flour might have moved slightly from about $31,50 to around $36,50 per 50kg bag, but bread is not made by flour alone. We do not manufacture bread fat here in Zimbabwe; there are also enzymes, spare parts for our plants and even for service vehicles, which are also imported or bought with foreign currency. We require between $4 million and $7 million United States dollars each month and we are getting 20 to 30 per cent of that.</blockquote>
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara said,
<blockquote>I guess maybe the increase has to do with other raw materials where they have to either pay in US dollars or equivalent prevailing black market rate. But we are selling them flour at 1:1 with the US dollar.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.sundaymail.co.zw/bakers-plot-4-per-loaf/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sunday Mail</a>

Bakers In  Talks To Increase Price Of Bread To $4 Per Loaf

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) have written to Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Joel Biggie Matiza requesting transportation for over 30 000 tonnes of wheat. The wheat is stuck at Beira as the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is failing to transport it. Part of the letter written by GMAZ general manager Lynette Veremu reads,
<blockquote>…In order to immediately commence to stabilise the bread supply, we requested and NRZ committed to bring in at least 50 wagons a day in Harare. Regrettably, only 58 wagons have arrived in Harare since September 16, 2018…We are humbly requesting your esteemed office to intervene and cause NRZ to, in the interests of national food security, deliver 50 wagons a day without fail.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2018/10/wheat-stuck-at-beira-as-bread-shortages-persist/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a>

Millers Complain To Govt As Wheat Is Stuck At Beira Due To Lack Of Transport

The Herald reports that Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya has said that the wheat supply situation in the country was under control despite reports that six millers had suspended operations due to shortages.
The Herald states Mangudya said the situation was “under control” as the central bank had put in place measures to ensure uninterrupted supplies of “essential imports. In a memo the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) said RBZ failed to release $12,5 million for importation of wheat resulting in depletion of stocks.
The millers said as of Tuesday this week, available national stocks had dropped to about 28 000 tonnes, against a minimum three-month stock requirement of 114 000 tonnes. Zimbabwe requires 40 000 tonnes of wheat per month to produce 1,3 million loaves of bread per day. In a letter to GMAZ, international supplier, Holbud said they can only release the wheat they have when RBZ pays them the USD$12 million for maize supplied in 2016. Said Holbud:
<blockquote>RBZ/GMB has an outstanding payment to us of $12,242,026 for maize supplied in 2016, the payment for which was promised in June 2017 but yet to be received. We had been promised several times but till to date, payments have not been received, making our position with our bankers very bad even though we were the only company to fulfil the commitment by bringing around 300 000 tonnes during the drought period.</blockquote>
<hr/>
<h4>Also Read:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/09/05/grain-millers-warn-of-imminent-bread-shortages-as-wheat-supply-falls-to-lowest-levels-since-2005/">Millers Warn Of Imminent Bread Shortages As Wheat Supply Falls To Lowest Levels Since 2005</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<hr/>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/wheat-supply-situation-under-control-rbz/">Herald</a>
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