The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has secured 10 000 metric tonnes of imported grain but awaits a review in the price of roller meal subsidy from government before it releases into the market, 263Chat Business can reveal.
The millers lobby body’s demands, if granted, are likely to push the price of subsidized roller meal up from the current ZWL$ 70 for a pack of 10 kg.
GMAZ media and public relations manager, Garikai Chaunza in a statement today said an increase in subsidy price will ensure improved grain supply into the market.
“The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) is happy to announce that we have so far managed to import 10 000 metric tonnes of maize from South Africa, whose efforts have been made possible by the government which has given us the opportunity to import,”
“We are, however, waiting for a review of the price of roller meal subsidy from the government so that we pump the product into the market and hope to improve the supply of the commodity within the next 30 days,” he said.
Millers are currently owed an excess of ZWD120 million by the government in roller subsidy refunds dating back from last December, and this is affecting the constant supply of roller meal.
Under normal circumstances, the subsidy payments should come within seven days.
Chaunza also said the CoronaVirus epidemic has also affected trips to Asia and related destinations where they intend to procure rice, maize, and wheat to complement government efforts to ensure food security.
However, an increase in the price of roller meal will be a hard blow for most Zimbabweans who are already struggling to cope with the current price of roller meal.
GMAZ has come under fire for its role in the grain procurement and distribution, with some millers alleging unfair practices as recently stated at a Parliamentary portfolio on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement.
Zimbabwe is facing acute grain shortages that have manifested in the shortage of roller meal which is used to make its staple food.
