Zimbabwe: 651 firms get permits to import 3.2 million tonnes of maize

Source: The Herald – Breaking news. Precious Manomano, Herald Reporter THE Government has issued 651 import permits to private companies to procure at least 3,2 million tonnes of maize as part of drought mitigation measures. This is well above the country’s annual requirement of 2,2 million tonnes of maize. Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said partnerships with the private sector were critical to boost food security. “We have allowed the private sector to import as much as possible during this period to March next year so that they can supply appropriately priced, affordable and available mealie meal. “We have also encouraged the business sector not to take advantage of the situation to charge high prices. “In terms of the private sector imports, we have issued 651 import permits to companies and between April 1 and now, 400 000 tonnes have been imported, largely from South Africa, ...