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President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that the country has saved up to US$300 million in import costs following a record wheat harvest in 2022 of over 375 000 tonnes.
Mnangagwa made the remarks during a roundtable meeting on Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt, on the sidelines of the African Development Bank annual meetings. He said:
<blockquote>
I am pleased to highlight that Zimbabwe is now food secure.
We are self-sufficient in wheat production, since 2022, saving up to US$300 million dollars annually, in import costs.
A maize bumper harvest, attributed to favourable rainfall, increased irrigation capacity and agronomy support all supported by Government programmes, is now the norm.
Pfumvudza/Intwasa Climate Proofed agriculture, a model focusing on the efficient use of inputs, labour and water resources among small-scale and communal farmers has had tremendous results on household food security, nutrition and incomes.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe requires about 360 000 tonnes of wheat annually to ensure an adequate supply of flour for bread and confectionery.
This year, the Government is targetting 85 000 hectares, compared to 80 388 hectares planted in 2022.
In Zimbabwe, wheat is grown entirely under irrigation in the winter and is therefore not affected by rainfall patterns so long as the rainfall is adequate to fill up the dams which supply the irrigation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwe Saved US$300 Million After Record Wheat Harvest - Mnangagwa

ZESA Holdings says it has ring-fenced 120MW for the 2023 winter wheat season to ensure that the country attains the Government&#8217;s target of 85000 hectares.
In a statement, the power utility also said it has established support groups for winter wheat farmers where they can report faults so that they are fixed expeditiously. ZESA said:
<blockquote>
Subsequent to the recent update on the power supply situation on 25 April 2023, ZESA Holdings is pleased to announce that mechanisms have been put in place to guarantee electricity supply to all the Winter Wheat Farmers across the country.
The utility is cognisant of its role and expectations in powering this sector to achieve wheat self-sufficiency and meet the Government&#8217;s target of 85000 Hectares for the year 2023.
Accordingly, the utility has put in place the requisite modalities to ring-fence 120MW towards this national initiative.
Furthermore, in a bid to minimize the duration of power outages due to network faults throughout the season, the utility has established support groups for winter wheat farmers for effective communication and expeditious resolution of faults.
Wheat farmers are urged to join these groups through their cluster leadership.
Our National Contact Centre will be available for the continuous and timeous support of farmers throughout the season.
</blockquote>
In 2022, Zimbabwe registered its largest wheat harvest, 375 000 tonnes, making the country self-sufficient.
The harvest in 2022 was 13% higher than the previous year, breaking a half-century-old record.
Zimbabwe has been one of the few African countries to attain self-sufficiency in wheat production.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Allocates 120MW To Winter Wheat Farmers

The Government on Friday announced producer prices for strategic crops such as maize, traditional grains, soya bean, and sunflower.
The Grain Market Board (GMB) will only purchase strategic commodities financed under the Presidential Input Programme as well as by self-financed farmers.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka, at a media briefing in Harare.
GMB will pay a floor producer price of US$335 per metric tonne for maize and traditional grains.
For soya beans and sunflowers, GMB will pay US$580 and US$696, per tonne respectively.
The prices will be partly paid in foreign currency and the remainder in Zimbabwe dollars at the prevailing interbank rate.
The Government has also set a pre-planting producer price of US$520 per metric tonne of wheat. Said Masuka:
<blockquote>
A floor producer price of US$335 per metric tonne of maize and traditional grains is paid to farmers by GMB as US$200 in foreign currency plus US$135 in local currency.
US$580 per metric tonne for soya beans paid as US$348 in foreign currency and US$232 in local at the interbank rate.
</blockquote>
The Government has also liberalised the marketing of grain with all contractors allowed to buy back contracted crops.
Self-financed farmers will also sell their produce in the market or to the Grain Marketing Board.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Announces Producer Prices For Grains, Soya Beans

The Government has made arrangements with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to ensure that winter wheat farmers have adequate electricity and water respectively.
This was said by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary John Basera on Wednesday.
Basera was speaking at the Mashonaland East wheat planting preparedness discussion day in Marondera. He said:
<blockquote>
The issue of power has been thoroughly assessed and discussed with ZESA. Ring-fencing of power for wheat farmers is guaranteed.
We are going to have sufficient power for wheat-producing farmers. We are Going4Growth and we must have wheat and flour self-sufficiency at all costs.
Uninterrupted electricity and water supply will change the dynamics of wheat farming in the country.
</blockquote>
Basera, however, urged farmers to pay their outstanding debts to ZESA so that the power utility will be able to guarantee electricity supply.
The recommended sowing period for wheat is early April to the end of May and planting has commenced in areas such as Mashonaland West.
The <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/power-water-boost-for-winter-wheat">Sunday Mail</a> reported that an estimated 85 000 hectares will be put under winter wheat this year for a targetted output of 408 000 tonnes.
If that is achieved, it will surpass last year’s record of 380 000 tonnes.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA To Prioritise Winter Wheat Farmers

The Government says it will clear the US$14 million owed to wheat farmers for the produce delivered to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) in the next three weeks.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, John Basera said Treasury was committed to clearing the debt by mid-April.
<a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/govt-to-clear-us14m-wheat-farmers-debt/">The Manica Post</a> reported that Basera made the pledge while addressing farmers at a Pfumvudza Field Day in Chiendambuya last week on Friday. Basera said:
<blockquote>
We have agreed with the Treasury to clear the outstanding debt of US$14 million owed to wheat farmers in the next three weeks.
By mid-April, we should have cleared it so that farmers can prepare for winter wheat cropping.
The wheat delivered to GMB was worth $39 billion and the whole amount was paid in full, leaving the USD component outstanding.
The USD component was US$31 million, and we are left with US$14 million.
</blockquote>
The government said wheat farmers were paid 30 percent of their sales proceeds in foreign currency and 70 percent in local currency.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

"GMB To Clear US$14 Million Wheat Farmers Debt By Mid-April"

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has pledged to pay all wheat farmers that delivered their crop their outstanding payments in foreign currency starting this week.
To date, the government has reportedly paid up to ZWL$37 billion and US$4 million to wheat farmers, with outstanding payments now around US$26 million.
Speaking during a Green field day held in Mazowe on Friday, GMB operations director, Forward Takaendesa said:
<blockquote>
We managed to pay 67 percent in the Zim dollar component. Those with errors on their accounts and those who delivered their crop late were also affected, but we are sure that all those are going to be paid.
Efforts are being made to aggregate such amounts. We are trying our best. By next week, we are sure that we are going to pay our farmers in US dollars.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust president Depinah Nkomo urged GMB to expeditiously pay farmers early to enable them to plan.
GMB is paying ZWL$268 048 plus US$220 for a tonne of premium grade, while standard grade receives $243 680 plus US$200 per tonne.
Last season wheat farmers produced more than 380 000 tonnes. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/wheat-farmers-to-start-getting-their-balances-this-week/">The Herald</a>

GMB Pledges To Pay US$26 Million Owed To Wheat Farmers Soon

Harare North lawmaker <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Allan_Markham">Allan Norman Markham</a> has demanded that the ministers of agriculture and finance give reasons behind the delayed payment of wheat farmers two months after delivering produce.
He made the remarks while raising a point of national interest last Thursday in parliament, according to Open Parly.
Markham said delayed payment may affect preparation for next season. He said:
<blockquote>
My point of national interest is requesting a statement from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement and the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. 
Currently, we are aware that the Government has yielded and received 255.000 tonnes of wheat. 
That has been in stock now for nearly two months and no wheat farmer that I am aware of has been paid anything yet. 
Wheat farmers are due to receive $200 to $220 per tonne and also ZWL 255.000 but none of this has been paid.
I think it is a matter of national importance that this House asks for a statement from the Minister as to the delay in payment.
</blockquote>
Furthermore, Markham expressed concern over reports that farmers were expected to pay for storage and marketing of the produce because the Government cannot pay them. 
Wheat is among the grain on the controlled produce list that restricts farmers to sell the produce to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Grain_Marketing_Board">Grain Marketing Board</a> or contractor who has financed production.
Earlier in the year the government complained about side marketing by farmers insisting it would cause food insecurity.
The further payment delays to  wheat farmers may result into a shortage of the produce or a rise in price especially considering that there is wheat shortage on the global market due to the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/ukraines-foreign-minister-putin-launched-full-scale-invasion-well-defend-and-win/">Russia-Ukraine war which began in February this year. </a>
Markham added that the delay will push the farmer to borrow in the financial sector with the highest lending rate in the world.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

MP Demands Answers On Why "No Wheat Farmer Has Been Paid Anything Yet"

Wheat farmers are accusing the government of abandoning them and leaving them at the mercy of “unscrupulous” millers and contractors.
The government set the producer price of wheat at US$620 per tonne for the ordinary grade but millers and contractors are reportedly offering them between US$450 and US$500 per tonne.
A farmer who refused to be named told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/agriculture/article/200004379/wheat-farmers-cry-foul-over-price">NewsDay</a> that the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) is not buying wheat but has only offered storage facilities to the wheat farmers. Said the farmer:
<blockquote>
Government said the producer must be paid US$620, but it is only on paper. GMB said it is not buying any wheat and the millers are offering way below the stipulated prices.
The bumper harvest that we experienced is now a curse and most farmers have vowed not to plant wheat again next year.
</blockquote>
A representative from one of the millers’ associations said the government announced the new producer prices without consulting them. Said the representative:
<blockquote>
The US$500 is the indicative price. The problem with our government is that it just announces the price without consulting.
Sometimes it becomes cheaper to import wheat of high quality than to buy it locally.
The other thing is that most of the wheat farmers are contracted. They have a prior arrangement with their contractors which stipulates the amount of money they are getting paid.
</blockquote>

Grain Millers Buying Wheat Below Stipulated Price - Farmers

Zimbabwe has achieved a record wheat harvest as farmers had delivered 326 687 tonnes to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as of Friday morning.
Before this year’s output, the highest-ever wheat output since commercial production began in the 1960s was 325 000 tonnes realised in 1990.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/wheat-record-broken">The Sunday Mail</a> that the set target of 380 000 tonnes for the 2022 winter wheat season is still attainable. He said:
<blockquote>
After some assessments, we project that we should get at least 380 000 tonnes of the cereal, which is 20 000 tonnes more than the national requirement.
The preparations had been so good and it seems we have managed to achieve our goal. What is left are the final actual statistics, but it all points to a remarkable season.
</blockquote>
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, John Basera, said veld fires and early rains have not affected the set targets.
Last week, Cabinet indicated that 3 980 hectares had been damaged by rains, with the largest hectarage of 3 225 being in Mashonaland West province.
Meanwhile, Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services chief director Obert Jiri said that farmers are facing several challenges. He said:
<blockquote>
As of November 25, wheat delivered to GMB depots stood at 326 687 tonnes, almost 89 percent (of the target).
Harvesting is still going on but our farmers are facing challenges to deliver the grain to GMB due to transport logistics, challenges of high moisture content due to the rains and late payments of initial deliveries.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe Records Highest-ever Wheat Harvest

Farmers have been urged to expedite the harvesting of winter wheat as the rains currently pounding most parts of the country could seriously affect wheat quality.
Zimbabwe is expecting a bumper wheat harvest but agricultural Rural Development Services chief director Obert Jiri revealed that to date, only 35 per cent of the winter wheat has been harvested. Said Jiri:
<blockquote>
There is no advantage to keeping winter wheat in the fields because its quality will be reduced. In fact, it will not become wheat if rains fall on it.
So, we expect wheat farmers to really expedite harvesting because all the wheat in the country is now dry.
At the moment there are lighter rains, but if rains persist, this will definitely affect the quality of the wheat.
So we are appealing for every combine harvester in the country to be deployed and mobilised for wheat harvesting.
We are at about 30%-35% in terms of our wheat harvesting. We have so far harvested 29 000 hectares out of 137 000 hectares out there.
Because of the rains, we expect harvesting to be fast so that we can move into the summer planting season without incurring any major losses.
</blockquote>
The President of the Senate, Mabel Chinomona, who also planted wheat this year, said the quality of the wheat has not yet been affected but the rains but warned that things can go south at any moment. She said:
<blockquote>
We are now self-sufficient in terms of wheat. So we encourage the government to make sure that winter wheat is harvested across the country to avoid losses.
We have enough wheat, but it just needs to be harvested on time. Yes, we experienced rain, but it was not that serious.
</blockquote>
Recently, Agriculture ministry secretary John Bhasera said the country has a surplus of over 100 000 tonnes of wheat. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200003217/rains-threaten-wheat-harvesting">NewsDay</a>

Rains Threaten Winter Wheat Quality

The government says the country will attain wheat self-sufficiency this year for the first time in almost two decades.
Zimbabwe consumes about 360 000 tonnes of wheat annually but the country has been importing the grain due to depressed local production.
The country expects to harvest 380 000 tonnes of wheat this year against an annual consumption of about 360 000 tonnes, generating a 20 000 tonnes surplus.
Addressing the media in Harare on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the country is expecting “a bumper harvest” from the 2022 winter wheat crop. She said:
<blockquote>
For the first time in our country since 2004, we have never had such a bumper harvest of wheat. We are looking at high yields.
We are not yet looking at exporting but we are happy that what we are producing this year will cover more than a year of consumption. That is good.
We will also have some in reserve but the issue of export is not yet discussed. We don’t need to import wheat.
</blockquote>
Wheat is grown entirely under irrigation during the winter season in Zimbabwe.
In 2022 more than 80 000 hectares of agricultural land was put under wheat production nationwide, with many new farmers venturing into the sector. | <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/zimbabwe-expects-to-be-wheat-self-sufficient-for-first-time-since-2004/">SABC News</a>

Zimbabwe Expects "Bumper Harvest" Of Wheat

Wheat valued at close to US$800 000 was destroyed by fire in 20 separate incidents last week, with authorities and farmers putting the blame on arsonists in most of the cases.
Agritex extension officers deployed to assess the damage caused by the fires noted that most of the fires started inside the wheat fields thus pointing to possible sabotage.
Chief director for Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services, Obert Jiri, said:
<blockquote>
After our extension officers’ inspections, it was clear that in most cases, the fires were not from the veld but started infield, pointing to possible sabotage, and we want our farmers to be on the lookout.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director, Paul Zakariya, said the high number of wheat fields that have been affected by fires this year is unusual. Said Zakariya:
<blockquote>
This is the first-ever season we have had such high numbers of fires in wheat fields.
There is suspicion that some disgruntled elements might want to disrupt the projected bumper harvest.
We need to act collectively to counter such people.
</blockquote>
Pieter Gertenbach, a Mvurwi farmer, lost a 35-hectare wheat field to fire at his Pembi Chase Farm.
The crop was supported by the Presidential Inputs Scheme and Gertenbach believes the fire was an act of sabotage. He said:
<blockquote>
This is an act of sabotage, no doubt about it. Some people are deliberately trying to fight the President’s efforts to improve agriculture.
This was not a wild veld fire that started out of nowhere; the fire started from within the field.
</blockquote>
Benedict Chagumuka of Machewe Farm in Mvurwi who lost 15 hectares of wheat to a fire last week also claimed the fire started in the middle of the field. He said:
<blockquote>
The fire started in the middle of the field. After inspecting the field, I could tell the source of the fire. Sadly, I did not have insurance for the crop.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/fire-destroys-us800k-wheat">The Sunday Mail</a>

Fire Destroys US$800k Wheat, Farmers Blame Saboteurs

Matabeleland South’s biggest irrigation scheme, ARDA Antelopes is counting losses after a veld fire that broke out on Friday, spreading into the farm and destroying a part of the seed crop.
Estate Manager, Aleck Chinyayi told <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/veld-fire-destroys-arda-antelope-wheat/">ZBCnews</a> that the fire broke out in the morning and destroyed a seed crop with an estimated value of US$5 000. Chinyayi said:
<blockquote>
A fire just broke out across the fence and because the wheat is ready for harvest it didn’t take time for it to catch fire and we had to rush with the workers and put it out, we have lost almost a hectare of the seed crop.
</blockquote>
This is happening when Zimbabwe is in serious need of locally-produced wheat to cover the deficit that was caused by Russia/Ukraine war which interrupted international trade.
Meanwhile, Mukunjulelwa Ndlovu, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water Fisheries and Rural Development, Acting Provincial Director has urged farmers to guard against fire. Ndlovu said:
<blockquote>
This is a seed crop that is going to help us increase our area of wheat next season and farmers need to be on the lookout for fire incidences as they can destroy the crop at the critical stage.
</blockquote>
ARDA Antelope is one of the biggest irrigation schemes in Matabeleland South province with over 500 hectares under commercial wheat, 180 hectares of wheat seed, and 56 hectares of potatoes.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Veld Fire Destroys Wheat In A Matabeleland South Irrigation

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development secretary Dr John Basera has said the government has secured about 300 combine harvesters for the 2022 winter wheat harvesting which commences next month.
Basera told The Sunday Mail on the sidelines of the Hwedza District Annual Agricultural show on Friday that the equipment will be accessed through mechanisation hubs countrywide.
The bulk of the equipment will be accessed through Agricultural Finance Company (AFC) Leasing Company. Said Basera:
<blockquote>
300 combine harvesters will be ready for hiring out and they are stationed at over 20 centres, inclusive of AFC commercial bank premises dotted around the country.
They are as close as possible to the farmers who have grown wheat.
For the large-scale farmers, we already have a vehicle under AFC Leasing Company through which we have made available 47 combine harvesters and we intend to add more.
</blockquote>
He said a separate programme will witness private sector players leasing out combine harvesters to farmers at a minimum cost.
Basera added Government was presently engaging more private sector players to join the initiative and “they are really happy to work with us as well.”
A record 78 000 hectares (ha) have been put under wheat this season, up from 66 000 ha last year.
The total harvest is projected at 380 000 tonnes against a national annual requirement of about 360 000 tonnes.
Dr Basera said more equipment was being procured from Belarus to enhance farm mechanisation.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Govt Says 300 Combine Harvesters Secured For Wheat Harvesting

Power cuts in some parts of Matabeleland South Province are threatening this year’s winter wheat crop as farmers are unable to pump water for irrigation.
Matabeleland South provincial agricultural officer Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said while farmers that rely on solar power and gravity are not affected, those that rely on the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) for electricity to pump water are struggling due to load shedding. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
Some farmers are managing the crop well, however, where the source of power to pump water is electricity from the country’s power utility, ZPC (Zimbabwe Power Company), there are some challenges due to load shedding.
Load shedding has affected the rate of top dressing and the frequency of irrigation. We’re hopeful it’s going to improve so that we achieve a good harvest.
At the likes of Guyu and Mtshabezi irrigation schemes where we usually rely on the ZPC for electricity, there are challenges because of load shedding. Those who are using solar and gravity are okay.
This includes areas like Arda Ingwizi and Arda Antelope where farmers resort to the use of generators which is very expensive.
Beitbridge is also facing the same challenge in terms of power supply at irrigation schemes. Commercial farmers around ward 14 are also affected.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/power-cuts-threaten-winter-wheat/">Chronicle</a>

Load Shedding Threatens Winter Wheat

A bread price increase is looming as the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Grain_Millers_Association_of_Zimbabwe">Grain Millers Association (GMAZ)</a> has said the price of bread flour has gone up by an aggregate of 10%. In a statement seen by Pindula News, millers said the increase takes into account exchange rate depreciation, and fuel price increase among others. We present the statement below:
<blockquote>
<h2>PRESS STATEMENT ON THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE PRICE OF BREAD FLOUR</h2>
The milling industry continues to face serious inflationary headwinds which include:
1. The finance cost occasioned by the increase of interest rates from100% to 200% 
2. The increase of the local wheat price from GMB to millers by 08%. 
3. The interbank exchange rate has moved up by 5,5% from US$1: ZW$362,6 to US$1: ZW$382,5. 
4. The currency devaluation has severely impacted on the general operation cost. 
5. There was also an upward review of the prices of fuel.
The aggregate impact of these movements will be around 10% increase in the price of flour to bakers. However, individual millers and bakers will continue to deliberate on prices, leveraging on quantity discounts, payment terms and any other considerations.
Andrew Kunambura 
Corporate Affairs Manager
13 Bodle Avenue, Eastlea, Harare, Zimbabwe +263 8644 255 873 / +263 242 797 457 admin@grainmillers.co.zw
</blockquote>
Prices of bread have been going up recently with bakers citing depletion of wheat reserves in the country and an increase in prices of wheat imported.
The bread price, at about US$1.30, is already too high for some members of the public. An increase in prices will only make matters worse. 
This comes after the Governor of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Reserve_Bank_of_Zimbabwe">Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)</a>, Dr <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/John_Mangudya">John Mangudya</a> last month, said the central bank expects bakers to review the prices of bread downwards. 
<h2>Pindula News</h2>

Bread Price Increase Looming As Millers Say Bread Flour Price Has Gone Up

The price of bread is expected to rise from ZWL$600 to ZWL$730 per loaf after the Government recently reviewed the price of wheat from ZWL$66 000 to ZWL$239 360 per tonne.
NewZimbabwe.com reported baking industry sources as saying the recent 363% increase in the price of wheat means bakers will need to cushion themselves by increasing the price of bread. Said the source:
<blockquote>
We are therefore increasing the price of bread flour by 26% from ZWL $397 000 to ZWL $499 500 per metric tonne.
… The interbank rate between the last price review and now has gone up by 16.4% from ZWL $311 to ZWL $362 per $1, which impacts the overall cost of wheat we import for gristing and operating costs.
</blockquote>
Small-scale retailers recently slashed the price of bread from US$1.20 to US$0.90 per loaf after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) committed to allocate funds to bakers through the forex auction.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube recently announced measures to ensure adequate maize meal and bread flour supplies. He said:
<blockquote>
There is, nevertheless, an urgent need for Government to intervene to bring stability in the price and supply of maize meal and bread flour in the economy.
Government should release 20 000 metric tonnes per month to millers for the next three months beginning in July 2022 at the import parity price calculated at the prevailing interbank rate.
Millers have indicated that they will in turn import 70,000 MT of wheat over the same period.
The wheat will be sold at an import parity price of USD680 converted into local currency equivalent at the ruling exchange rate.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/bread-set-to-cost-zwl730-industry-blames-wheat-price-hike/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Price Of Bread Set To Go Up, Industry Blames Wheat Price Hike

Zimbabwe may experience bread shortages after grain millers threatened to stop producing flour due to undersupply of wheat.
Bakers are also agitating for permission to sell bread exclusively in US dollars to ensure the viability of the industry.
NewZimbabwe.com reported sources as saying the industry has a serious backlog regarding forex payments which had risen to US$5 million.
This backlog is for flour already supplied by millers to bakers.
On 17 June, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) officials, bakers and millers met to discuss several issues but the meeting ended in a deadlock.
Bakers want to sell bread in US dollars, arguing that this will make them self-sufficient, just like fuel dealers, but the RBZ was said to be against the idea.
The RBZ is reportedly concerned that if bread was to be sold in foreign currency, it would automatically mean the country has dollarised and unions will push for US dollar salaries.
The milling and baking industry criticised their principal representative, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara for failing to convince authorities to accept their demands. Said a NewZimbabwe.com source:
<blockquote>
We met and agreed that Musarara was supposed to advise authorities that we should commence the sale of flour and bread in USD just as has been done with fuel so that we can be self-sufficient however it appears he was sweet-talked and came with nothing.
It is now two weeks since that meeting and we have had no movement, we have secured 20 000 tonnes of wheat which is already in the country and can only be released once payment is made.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/bread-shortage-looms-as-millers-threaten-halt-flour-production-bakers-also-want-to-sell-in-us/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Bakers Want To Sell Bread In US Dollars

The National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe (NBAZ) says the price of bread will go down but the new price is dependent on how other cost drivers will remain constant.
Earlier this week, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) announced that it had held a consultative meeting with the NBAZ, with the two parties agreeing to reduce the price of bread.
RBZ Governor John Mangudya said members of the bakers’ association will now access their full requirements of foreign exchange through the weekly foreign exchange auctions for the importation of inputs and procurement of fuel.
In a telephone interview with Business Weekly on Wednesday, NBAZ president, Denis Wallah, confirmed the discussions with RBZ. He said:
<blockquote>
Definitely, discussions have been ongoing with RBZ and in the statement, the monetary authority highlighted the terms and conditions that came out of our engagement. We’re going to see some movement in the price of bread going down.
In terms of the quantum at which the price will go down, we cannot say the price will go down by such a figure because we are fighting a moving target in the sense that there are other cost drivers that we are not guaranteed will remain constant. But certainly starting tomorrow (yesterday) consumers should see the reduction.
</blockquote>
At the beginning of June, the retail price of a standard loaf of bread increased to an average of ZWL$650 and US$1.20, from about ZWL$370 and US$1.00 in April.
NBAZ attributed the increase in the price of bread to cost drivers such as fuel and bread flour.
The astronomical rise in the price of wheat, which is used to produce bread flour, has been largely attributed to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, with the two countries accounting for about 70 per cent of the global wheat supplies.
Wallah did not reveal the bakers’ congregated forex requirements per month but indicated that they need forex to import raw materials such as baking fat and enzymes. He said:
<blockquote>
In terms of what our forex requirements are over a given period of time, for example, a month, that is dependent on what we need to import.
Our members require forex to import mostly baking fat and enzymes and these are imported from South Africa.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/bakers-cant-guarantee-bread-price-cuts/">Business Weekly</a></h4>

We Can’t Guarantee Bread Price Cuts - Bakers

Local wheat production has received a vital boost after a local company refurbished two planes to curb the threat of Quelea birds.
<a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/two-airplanes-refurbished-for-quelea-birds-spraying/">ZBC News reports</a> that the government availed foreign currency to Agricair to refurbish planes for spraying the menacing birds.
The two planes have now been fixed and are ready for wheat and other aerial spraying operations. Agricair General Manager, Carl Van dar Riet said:
<blockquote>
We want to thank Government through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for availing Forex import spare parts for our engines and as you can see the airplanes are ready for spraying quelea birds this season.
</blockquote>
Another third plane will be fixed in the next three months after the company secured an engine for the aircraft.
Quelea birds are destructive and can destroy vast acres of wheat if not controlled.
Zimbabwe has been failing to produce enough wheat for domestic consumption. The bulk of it is being imported from as far as Russia.
In 2020, Zimbabwe imported $94.8M in Wheat, becoming the 77th largest importer of the commodity in the world. In the same year, wheat was the 9th most imported product in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is targeting 400 000 tonnes of wheat this season after the country registered a 36 per cent output growth last year.
<h2>More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/" rel="nofollow">Pindula News </a>is best enjoyed <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/?utm_source=PindulaArticles&amp;utm_campaign=DownloadLink">via the App. Download it here</a></h2>

Wheat Production: Two Planes Refurbished To Curb The Threat Of Quelea Birds

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has increased the price of a 10kg bag of roller meal by 52 per cent and the price of a tonne of wheat bread flour has been hiked by 32 per cent.
In a statement, GMAZ chairman Tafadzwa Musarara said the price increases came after the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) increased the price of maize and wheat. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
With effect from Monday 11 April 2022, the price of grain from Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to Millers went up.
Commercial white maize price increased by 50% to ZWD75,000 per metric tonne from ZWD 50,000 per metric tonne.
Wheat rose by 17.8% to ZWD 66,000.00 per metric tonne from ZWD56,000 per metric ton.
These increments are substantial and millers cannot absorb them. At its urgent virtual meeting on yesterday, the GMAZ Secretariat reported the following price movements;
a) 10 kg Roller Meal to increase by 52% to ZWD1, 665.00 from ZWD1,099.00
b) 1 tone of Wheat Bread flour to increase by 31% to ZWD 215,000 from ZWD 164,523 per metric tonne
These price increments are with immediate effect. However, individual millers and wholesale/retailers are free to negotiate price discounts.
The costs of packaging, labour, transport, electricity and imported wheat continue to militate against price stabilization efforts.
We assure the consuming public that our scientific computation model remains reasonable and justified and we have been restrained in our cost accumulation.
The milling industry remains most indebted to the Ministries of Agriculture, Finance and Industry for the ongoing engagements which are aimed at achieving affordability and availability of our products.
The subsisting global food inflation crisis is causing serious headwinds, and Zimbabwe is not spared.
Similar price increases in Maize Meal and Bread flour are also being experienced in other regional countries such as Botswana, South Africa et al.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Grain Millers Hike Mealie Meal Price By 52 Percent

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has reportedly secured alternative wheat sources following supply chain disruptions in Eastern Europe caused by the ongoing war involving the world’s biggest producers, Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine and Russia supply 30% of wheat and 20% of maize to global markets, according to the World Food Programme.
According to GMAZ, almost 60% of wheat consumed in Zimbabwe comes from Russia and Ukraine.
GMAZ chairman Tafadzwa Musarara told The Standard that his organisation plans to import 180 000 tonnes of wheat to meet local demand from now until the next wheat harvest. He said:
<blockquote>
We have been following the geopolitics in the Balkan area and the Russian/Ukraine war did not come as a surprise.
As a forward-looking organisation, we had secured other sources, notwithstanding the fact that the two countries which are at war are ranked number one (Russia) and number five (Ukraine) on the world wheat exporters and producers.
We are planning to have close to 180 000 tonnes of wheat imports that should see us between now and the next harvest. This is not only a Zimbabwean situation. It is a global crisis.
</blockquote>
Musarara said GMAZ is in discussions with several suppliers from other countries to supply them with wheat.
He, however, did not disclose the potential suppliers.
<h4>More: <a href="https://thestandard.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/03/millers-court-alternative-wheat-markets180-000-tonnes-under-discussion-says-gmaz/">The Standard</a></h4>

Russia-Ukraine War: Local Millers Search For Alternative Wheat Sources

The Government has engaged tobacco farmers to take up winter wheat farming in a move aimed at increasing wheat production and ensuring adequate wheat stocks in the country.
Cabinet on Tuesday approved the move following a presentation on the matter by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Anxious Masuka. Part of the post-Cabinet media briefing reads:
<blockquote>
Pertaining to wheat, Cabinet reports that in order to increase the hectarage under wheat as well as increase the output, tobacco farmers will be roped in to grow the crop.
The transition to winter wheat by tobacco farmers is a welcome move and will go a long way in boosting the supply of the cereal so that we have sufficient domestic stocks.
Cabinet is pleased to report that the country has sufficient fertilizers for winter-wheat farming.
Efforts are also being made to guarantee fertiliser supplies for the summer season.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/tobacco-farmers-roped-into-wheat-production/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Tobacco Farmers To Venture Into Winter Wheat Production

The prices of maize and bread flour have gone up by 15 per cent with immediate effect due to the ongoing war in Eastern Europe, with both Russia and Ukraine among the top five wheat exporters globally.
In a statement on Thursday, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) chairman, Tafadzwa Musarara, warned the prices could increase further, due to supply chain disruptions. He said:
<blockquote>
The Grain Marketing Board had increased the cost of maize from $43 000 to $50 000 per metric tonne, necessitating an upward review in mealie-meal prices.
Coupled with this, fuel prices have also surged following the play of geo-politics in the Balkan region, in particular the Russia-Ukraine conflict, adding substantially to operating costs.
Maize-meal retail price for 10kg Roller Meal will increase by 15 per cent from $955 to $1 099.
Bread flour will move up by 14.74 per cent from $119 000 to $136 544 per metric tonne.
</blockquote>
Musarara said the landing price for wheat has increased by US$200 from US$475 to $675 per metric tonne.
The bread and mealie meal prices are expected to go up soon in response to the rise in the prices of wheat and maize.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/new-mealie-meal-bread-flour-prices-go-up">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Grain Millers Increase Wheat, Maize Prices

The Government on Tuesday reopened all land borders and also lifted the ban on maize and wheat imports that was put in place after the country recorded a good maize harvest during the 2020/21 agricultural season.
Zimbabwe closed all land borders in 2019 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus except for cargo transport, returning citizens and other authorised persons.
The reopening of the country’s borders was announced by Information, Publicity, Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa while addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
In view of the continued decline in new cases and deaths coupled with a declining testing positivity rate that is indicating that the community transmission has gone down, all ports of entry be: reopened but ensuring that all the recommended COVID-19 prevention measures are adhered to.
All ports of entry have been opened. All persons entering Zimbabwe must have undergone a valid COVID-19 PCR [polymerase chain reaction] test not more than 48 hours from the time of their departure for Zimbabwe, and be fully vaccinated.
Those with booster shots have an entry advantage.
</blockquote>
The announcement comes after the Government recently relaxed COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, reduced curfew hours and opened schools.
Mutsvangwa said the wheat and maize import ban had also been lifted, with all import permits issued before this announcement now set to expire on 31 May 2021.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/govt-reopens-borders-lifts-maize-import-ban/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Zimbabwe Reopens Land Borders, Lifts Import Ban On Maize

Zimbabwe for the first time since 2005 expects to have wheat which is enough to meet the country&#8217;s demand. The Southern African country expects to harvest over 300 000 tonnes this year.
Cabinet claimed Tuesday that over 66 000 hectares were put to wheat this year, the third-highest hectarage since Independence. Speaking during a Post Cabinet Media briefing in Harare, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>
The nation is being informed that following a successful wheat season, Zimbabwe is anticipating a volume of more than 300 000 metric tonnes of the cereal, against a national annual requirement of 360 000 metric tonnes. 
This is on the backdrop of the current national wheat stocks which stand at 70 000 metric tonnes, making Zimbabwe wheat self-sufficient for the first time since 2005.
</blockquote>
The expected produce will see Zimbabwe only reducing the quantity of imported wheat as it still needs to import some of its wheat. 
To produce the quality of bread sold by most large bakeries, millers have to blend local wheat, which they describe as “dense”, with imported wheat. One miller said:
<blockquote>
We will still import some wheat, but this time only for blending. We also need to import ingredients such as packaging, fats, enzymes, gluten, calcium and premixes.
</blockquote>
This year, farmers were hit by an outbreak of quelea birds, which farmers say may affect output.
Previously, harvesting was hit by a shortage of combine harvesters, a challenge that farmers&#8217; unions say will be addressed this year.
 Wheat harvests are expected to end in November.
More: <a href="https://newzwire.live/for-the-first-time-in-16-years-zimbabwe-expects-to-meet-national-wheat-needs/">NewZWire</a>

Zimbabwe Expects Enough Wheat For The First Time Since 2005

The Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) revealed that less than 10% of land earmarked for this year&#8217;s winter wheat farming season has been planted.
ZCFU president Shadreck Makombe expressed hope that by the first week of June all farmers would have finished planting. Said Makombe:
<blockquote>In the meantime preparations are going on, planting is going on.
Everything being equal, planting was supposed to be finished by the second week of May. We are behind schedule as it stands; only 6 000 hectares have been planted.
It is encouraged that we plant in May. By next week most farmers should have it done.
Makombe said that the wheat price of ZWL$1 089,68 per tonne was good when it was announced but has since been reduced to nothing by runaway inflation.</blockquote>
He added that it would be prudent that the producer price is fixed in US dollars.
The erratic supply of electricity by the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is a cause for concern by the farmers, the ZFCU boss added.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/05/winter-wheat-preps-behind-schedule-zcfu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Newsday</a></h4>

Winter Wheat Farming Season In Slow Start

Responding to questions from journalists after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Acting Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said Zimbabwe has enough wheat to cover the next four months.
Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>The country has enough wheat reserves to cover the next four months. There was an issue that needed to be resolved which had to do with pricing from the Grain Marketing Board to the millers and that was effectively dealt with today and we hope GMB will be given the directions. There is no need to look for foreign currency at the moment when it comes to procuring wheat because we have enough wheat. They will be getting wheat from GMB.</blockquote>
The Grain Millers’- Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) yesterday said Zimbabwe’s wheat supply situation has stabilised over the past few months as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has been consistent in foreign currency allocations to the sector.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/wheat-stocks-enough-no-need-for-forex/">Chronicle</a>

Zim Has Enough Wheat For Four Months- Industry Minister

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