Source: Millers, stockfeed producers seek Govt nod to import maize – herald
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Stockfeed manufacturers and millers have applied to the Government for permission to import 266 000 tonnes of maize, following the lifting of the ban on grain imports to meet increased demand.
Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025 had been introduced to curtail grain and oilseed imports, compelling millers, stockfeed producers and processors to prioritise local sourcing in line with the country’s drive towards food sovereignty and industrial self-reliance.
The ban has, however, been lifted on grain imports, allowing for greater flexibility in addressing the nation’s limited maize availability amid a significant increase in demand, which has outstripped supply despite the strong harvest this season.
This comes as agricultural expert, Dr Renneth Mano, called for a comprehensive review of maize demand in the economy, stating that the traditional focus on only mealie meal and livestock feed is now insufficient to project the exact demand-supply trends.
He believes that maize utilisation stretches far beyond the two traditional consumption categories.
Dr Mano specifically notes that, in addition to the estimated demand for mealie meal by the urban and rural populations and the demand from the stockfeed manufacturing industry, several other sectors now consume significant annual volumes of maize.
These include the beer brewing and beverages industry, the breakfast cereals and extruded corn snacks industry, and, perhaps most notably, the rapidly growing maize maputi (puffed corn) industry, which is expanding from urban centres into the village economy.
He further mentioned that ZimStats had recently completed a survey of formal businesses, which he anticipates will provide a detailed characterisation of Zimbabwe’s maize-based agro-processing industry, thereby supporting the need to review national maize demand.
The move came in response to a significant demand for maize, which has outpaced local supply, prompting officials to take action to ensure that commercial users can meet their requirements.
Agricultural Marketing Authority chief executive officer, Mr Jonathan Mukuruba, confirmed millers and stockfeed manufacturers had applied for Government permission to import 266 000 tonnes of maize.
“The rate at which maize from small-scale farmers is entering the market versus the demand from commercial users has been slow; hence, the Government has decided to remove the ban and allow these commercial users to import maize into the country. But otherwise, we are food secure as a nation.”
Mr Mukuruba said the Agricultural Food Systems and Road Transformation Strategy recognised enhanced market access as crucial for sustaining agricultural development in the country.
“To entrench the gains of the Second Republic in agricultural transformation, local farmers must be protected. It is also necessary to defend the gains of the land reform programme through appropriate policies,” he said.
The policy document acknowledges the importance of users of agricultural produce in supporting raw material production. This follows a Government initiative approved by Cabinet in August 2020.
“SI 87 of 2025 aims to legally enforce this position starting April 1, 2026,” said Mr Mukuruba.
To implement the changes, a grains and oilseed technical committee will be established, tasked with promoting the development of the grains and oilseed industry.
This 18-member committee, chaired by AMA, will make recommendations on various aspects of the industry, including production standards and fair trade practices.
An oversight committee will ensure recommendations from the technical committee align with Government policies.
This seven-member body will be led by the permanent secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development.
There will also be a management committee responsible for overseeing the disbursement of resources related to the Agricultural Revolving Fund.
This committee will be chaired by the chief director of finance and administration in the agriculture ministry.
Mr Mukuruba urged stakeholders to adapt to the new market dynamics and move away from the outdated reliance on the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as a primary source of grain.
SI 87 of 2025 was implemented after careful consideration of farmers’ demands, aiming to promote local production while addressing the supply and demand dynamics in the maize and oilseed markets.
With effect from April 1, 2026, processors will be legally required to procure at least 40 percent of their annual raw material needs locally.
By April 1, 2028, all such requirements must be sourced from local farmers.
This Statutory Instrument is relevant in the context of localising value chains and pursuing food self-sufficiency and sovereignty.
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