GOVERNMENT yesterday said it would enforce price controls on grain to ensure that no Zimbabwean starves as the El Niño-induced drought takes its toll.
At least 5,5 million people are said to be in need of food aid, according to humanitarian agencies.
Last month, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a state of national disaster and appealed for US$2 billion to avert starvation.
Addressing journalists at a Press conference, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development deputy minister Vangelis Haritatos said government would monitor grain prices.
“The bad part is because it (grain) is imported, so it is also subject to international prices. But fortunately, we are seeing even international prices coming down,” Haritatos said.
“South Africa has already reduced the price of maize by about 12% in the last month.
“Now, if we as government take a step back and just allow anything to happen, unfortunately, these ladies and gentlemen beside me [grain millers], these are businessmen, they are capitalists, so they want to make as much money as they can.”
Haritatos urged players in the milling industry not to take advantage of hunger.
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“Anything that’s being sold even to the rural areas must be at an affordable price,” he said.
“It must not be based on a capitalistic mentality. We are in an El Niño drought. We must all step up to the plate.”
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe president Tafadzwa Musarara also appealed to players in the sector to steer clear of profiteering.
“Our business is meaningful, and we do not get profit out of increasing prices. We get profit out of increasing volumes,” Musarara said.
“I am pleased to announce that from October 15, 2023 to date, GMAZ has imported more than 427 000 metric tonnes of maize into the country, with currently monthly inflows averaging 100 000 metric tonnes per month.”
Musarara said millers would make sure that mealie-meal was available like other groceries.
