The amount of maize in the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos has dropped significantly, raising concerns about food security in Zimbabwe, <a href="https://cite.org.zw/sharp-decline-in-gmb-maize-stocks-raises-food-security-fears/">reported CITE</a>.
A recent report by the Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development states that Zimbabwe’s food security is worsening due to maize shortages and agricultural instability, worsened by a drought caused by El Niño.
The government’s heavy reliance on the private sector for maize supplies, intended to diversify the supply chain, has led to a decrease in available maize.
The committee also reported that Silo Foods Industries, a major food processor in Zimbabwe, is facing serious maize shortages because the GMB is not meeting its supply targets.
In December 2023, Silo received only 1,934 metric tonnes of maize from the GMB, far below its monthly target of 8,000 metric tonnes. Said the committee:
<blockquote>
The statistics presented highlighted the severity of the situation, with Silo Food Industries receiving only 1 934 metric tonnes of maize from the GMB in December 2023, 3 460 metric tonnes in January 2024, and 1 267 metric tonnes in February 2024, against a target of 8 000 metric tonnes per month.
This resulted in a significant shortfall of 3 339 metric tonnes (42 per cent of the target) which underscored the urgent need for action to address the food shortages and prevent the situation from worsening.
</blockquote>
The committee pointed out that the private sector, especially millers and large traders, has been hesitant to sell their maize to the GMB, which is in charge of managing the country’s emergency grain supply. Says the report:
<blockquote>
The private sector is not selling maize to the GMB, creating a significant gap in the maize supply chain. This over-reliance on private suppliers, especially in the midst of an El Niño-induced drought, has left the government struggling to maintain adequate food reserves.
</blockquote>
The committee also said that the government has not been able to track the maize stocks held by private traders, which could have helped in coordinating efforts and responding more quickly to the food security problem.
The inquiry also revealed that “land tenure security and the dispersed nature of smallholder farms, which hindered agricultural production and investment, contributed to a 71 per cent shortfall in maize supply compared to the target.”
Farmers have faced financial struggles because the GMB has been slow to make payments, sometimes taking months to process them.
The committee said selling to the GMB has become too complicated due to issues like red tape, unclear rules, and logistical challenges.
They also pointed out that allowing the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) to play a bigger role in the maize supply chain has led to less maize being available for the GMB, making the food security problem worse.
Additionally, the committee expressed concerns about GMAZ importing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for human consumption.
The committee has called for a complete review of the government’s agricultural policies, suggesting improvements in the GMB’s operations, better coordination with private traders, and better irrigation systems.
To prepare the report, the committee held meetings with key stakeholders like the GMB, Silo Foods Industry, GMAZ, and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development.
They also visited several GMB depots in Aspindale, Norton, Chegutu, Lion’s Den, Banket, and Chinhoyi.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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The amount of maize in Zimbabwe's grain silos is low, causing concerns about food security. The shortage is worsened by a drought. The government relies heavily on the private sector for maize, but this has led to a decrease in available maize. Major food processors, like Silo Foods Industries, are facing shortages because the government is not supplying enough maize. The private sector is not selling maize to the government, making the situation worse. The government needs to review its policies and improve coordination with private traders to address the food security problem.

Sharp Decline In Maize Supplies at GMB Raises Alarm

The government says the country has sufficient maize and small grains stocks that are expected to last until next season.
In a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa said the current stock stands at 204 084 metric tonnes of maize and 41 464 metric tonnes (mt) of traditional grains. She said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that as at 9 July, 2023, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) had in stock a total of 204 084 mt of maize and 41 464 mt of traditional grains.
Millers and stock-feed manufacturers are being allocated 27 000 mt, SILO Foods 16 000 mt per month, and an additional 10 000 mt will be sold to Rwanda.
</blockquote>
Regarding wheat, Mutsvangwa said the country’s current stocks stood at 140 029 mt, which is sufficient to provide eight months’ cover, as the monthly allocation stands at 21 000 mt. She said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet wishes to highlight that 69.8 percent of the country’s wheat is being produced by A1 farmers. The nation is informed that a record 86 466 hectares have been put under wheat compared to 80 882 hectares last year.
The area planted is 14.5 percent above the initial target of 85 000 hectares, and 96 percent of the revised target of 90 000 hectares.
The bulk of the planted wheat or 69.8 percent is by resettled farmers (A1 and A2), while the communal farmers contributed 6.95 percent.
The bulk of the planted wheat is now at the vegetative stage and is in good condition. Quelea bird control activities are underway, including the aerial spraying of nesting points using drones. The required pesticides are also readily available.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet deliberated at length on the importance of paying farmers on time for the delivery of all crops.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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