By Daniel Itai
The Zimbabwean Government has expressed its aspiration to regain its title as the breadbasket of Africa, a distinction it held over two decades ago.
According to Dr. Anxious Masuka, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Zimbabwe, once known as a food importer, is now making strides in exporting to other African countries.
Zimbabwe, perennially known as a food importer, has emerged on the stage to become self-sufficient first, which was the strategy.
The Cabinet has approved the exportation of 40,000 tons of maize to Rwanda, with 10,000 tons scheduled for each of the next four months.
Additionally, we have received a request from the Democratic Republic of Congo for the export of maize, and cumulatively, we have received requests for 350,000 tons of maize.
We are also considering the export of wheat. As we begin the wheat intake season by the end of next month, we anticipate having 80,000 tons in our strategic grain reserves. With a record planting of 86,000 hectares, we might produce 200,000 tons, and we will likely also explore the option of exporting wheat.
Although this progress is noteworthy, we aim to go beyond simply being a breadbasket. Our goal for Zimbabwe is to become an agro-processing hub,” said Dr. Masuka.
Furthermore, Dr. Masuka highlighted that these pending exports mark a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, a country that was recently plagued by persistent droughts and relied on food imports.