Industry And Commerce Minister Update On Status Of Maize Meal Supply

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:

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE HON. MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE ON THE STATUS OF SUPPLY OF MAIZE MEAL IN THE COUNTRY

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.

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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.

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. 

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