Zimbabwe seeks Brazilian maize amid drought
In response to a devastating drought in Zimbabwe, the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has dispatched a delegation to Brazil to secure 400,000 metric tonnes of maize grain. Chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara confirmed the negotiation aims to address the dire food shortage caused by a poor harvest due to El Nino-induced drought. The Brazilian maize, set to arrive from July 2024, will supplement local produce and imports from South Africa. This strategic move is crucial for ensuring food security amidst looming hunger risks for millions of Zimbabweans.
The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has embarked on a crucial mission to Brazil to source maize grain in response to a catastrophic drought that has hit the southern African country.
GMAZ chairperson Tafadzwa Musarara said the 20-member delegation is negotiating the delivery of approximately 400,000 metric tonnes of both yellow and white maize.
“We are here to negotiate and conclude supplies to arrive in Zimbabwe starting at the end of July 2024,” Musarara told online publication NewZimbabwe.com late Thursday.
The Brazilian grain is expected to supplement the insufficient local produce and current imports from neighbouring South Africa, which has fared relatively better in crop yield.
Musarara said, emphasizing the critical timing of these negotiations. The intended supply arrangement is set to span from September 2024 to August 2025, providing a much-needed buffer against food security challenges.
Zimbabwe’s 2023/24 agricultural season suffered immensely due to an El Nino-induced drought, leading to a poor harvest.
This severe shortfall has placed millions of Zimbabweans at risk of hunger, prompting urgent action from GMAZ.
Source Link : https://apanews.net/zimbabwe-seeks-brazilian-maize-amid-drought/
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