Zimbabwe imported 700,000 tonnes of maize to avert famine

imbabwe imported 700,000 tonnes of maize to avert famine
 Agricultural News 0 2 months ago No comments

On 5/5, Zimbabwe national TV channels reported that the country will import 700,000 tonnes of maize to avert famine after the annual harvest nearly halved by drought.

Illustration. (Sources: AFP / VNA)

Agriculture Minister Joseph Made said Zimbabwe assessment report indicates the harvest end the country's maize production fell by 49%, so the need to import more cereals.

The latest report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also showed unfavorable rainy season in African countries, particularly affecting the region have low maize production in the south, leading to intensive cereal deficit of 300,000 tons.

It is not clear Zimbabwe to import maize from, but it often purchase cereals from neighboring Zambia and South Africa in the previous year.

Expected corn imports above will create additional pressure on the budget's tight capital while Zimbabwe government is struggling to pay the salaries of workers and employees.

Zimbabwe is always in shortage of food, but President Robert Mugabe said that the main cause is the low rainfall due to climate change.

According to FAO estimates, Zimbabwe needs about 1.8 million tonnes of corn each year to meet new people.