THE Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has warned that the prevailing Coronavirus (COVID-19) was having a negative toll on grain imports from Asian countries.
By Michael Gwarisa
GMAZ Media and Public Relations Manager, Mr Garikai Chaunza said even though GMAZ has already imported 10 000 metric tonnes of maize from South Africa the prevailing health crisis which has already claimed more than 3000 lives was affecting imports from Asian countries.
“Our National Chairman, Mr. Tafadzwa Musarara, is on a regional and international crusade where he is engaging with grain producers and suppliers, as we intensify grain procurement with the aim of complementing government efforts of ensuring food security. The CoronaVirus epidemic has also affected our trips to Asia and related destinations where we intend to procure rice, maize, and wheat.
“GMAZ remains committed to fulfilling our mandate and moral duty of ensuring national food security,”said Mr Chaunza.
He alos added that they were, however waiting for a review of the price of roller meal subsidy from the government so that we pump the product into the market and hope to improve the supply of the commodity within the next 30 days.
Millers are currently owed an excess of ZWD120 million by the government in roller subsidy refunds dating back from last December, and this is affecting the constant supply of roller meal. Under normal circumstances, the subsidy payments should come within seven days.
