The Zimbabwean government has reported significant progress in the distribution of grain nationwide, as the country grapples with the effects of the El Nino-induced drought.
According to Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, as of June 22, 2024, a total of 46,494.52 metric tonnes of grain have been distributed, with beneficiaries receiving a three-month allocation.
The private sector has also played a role, importing approximately 168,000 metric tonnes of maize and 17,000 metric tonnes of wheat since the start of the grain marketing season on April 1, 2024. The private sector has indicated a capacity to import up to 1,000,000 metric tonnes of maize to boost national reserves and mitigate the impact of the drought.
Muswere also announced that the Harare City Council has formally requested the government to take over the management of solid waste collection, with the Local Government and Public Works ministry now working on establishing effective systems.
Regarding the cotton marketing season, which commenced on June 6 and will end a month later, Muswere stated that the eight registered contractors will only be allowed to buy seed cotton once they have finished paying farmers for deliveries made in the previous season and settled all grade differential payments.
The country has 647 common buying points, and the minimum seed cotton prices have been set at: $0.43/kg for Grade A, $0.39/kg for Grade B, $0.36/kg for Grade C, and $0.32/kg for Grade D. Payments to farmers will be split, with 75% in US dollars and 25% in the local currency, the ZiG.
