Zimbabwe records a 1,200% surge in rice consumption

Source: Zimbabwe records 1 200pc surge in rice consumption | The Herald (Local News) Trust Freddy Herald Correspondent Zimbabweans are now eating 12-times as much rice as a decade ago as consumption rose from 10 000 tonnes a year to 120 000 tonnes. According to the recently adopted report on the preliminary food security outlook for April this year to March next year, presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka, the country is now consuming an average of 10 000 tonnes a month. Potato consumption is also on the increase with an estimated production of over 500 000 tonnes annually, or a consumption of 41 666 tonnes monthly. “In future planning, this shift in food systems and consumption patterns should inform planning, and appropriate investment, especially in rice production which must be accelerated, as 99 per cent of the rice is imported. “Potato is already classed as a strategic starch crop, although current food ...