Zimbabwe Reinstates Maize Import Ban After Bumper Harvest
Zimbabwe has reinstated its ban on maize imports, saying local farmers have produced enough grain to supply millers this year. The move comes after a bumper harvest, thanks to better rainfall.
Zimbabwe Reinstates Maize Import Ban After Bumper Harvest
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Obert Jiri, explained that the decision is about safeguarding local farmers. He said the government reviews maize stocks daily, but the priority is to make sure farmers’ produce is bought before the country looks outside.
“We assess the situation every day. We must protect local purchases from our local farmers,” Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, told Reuters.
Last year, Zimbabwe was forced to rely heavily on imports after an El Niño-induced drought slashed production. The country, which needs about 1.8 million metric tons of maize each year, harvested only 800,000 metric tons in the 2023/24 season. This was a steep drop from the 2.3 million metric tons produced two years earlier.
Because of the crisis, the government temporarily lifted import restrictions, even bringing in genetically modified maize to keep supplies flowing.
Now, with improved rains and government support schemes like Pfumvudza, production has bounced back. Officials say the country not only has enough maize for current needs but also a buffer to strengthen food security.
Analysts Caution on Climate Risks
Agriculture experts, however, warn that the sector remains fragile. Independent analyst Paul Chidziva noted that farming, which employs about 70% of Zimbabweans, is still highly vulnerable to droughts and extreme weather linked to climate change.
To cushion against future shocks, the government is encouraging farmers to grow more drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum and millet.
Zimbabwe’s reliance on imports has come at a heavy cost in the past. In 2020 alone, the country spent $300 million in scarce foreign currency to buy maize abroad, as successive droughts left more than half the population needing food aid.
Officials say this year’s surplus is a rare opportunity to reduce such dependence and give local farmers a stronger market.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Zimbabwe Reinstates Maize Import Ban After Bumper Harvest appeared first on iHarare News.
