By Davison Vandira
THE government collaboration with the private sector in the agriculture sector is bearing fruit, with the country now boasting of a one-year maize import cover with the winter wheat crop set to follow suit.
The government’s agricultural transformation agenda in partnership with the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) has moved the country closer to reclaiming its breadbasket status.
Through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa concept, Presidential input scheme and various other private sector initiatives, Zimbabwe is now food secure.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) Chairman Mr Tafadzwa Musarara is convinced that the Second Republic’s policy consistency has been the game-changer.
“What is currently happening in the country is encouraging concerning security is testimony to government’s stance on increasing agricultural productivity through mechanisms such as setting producer floor prices,” said Tafadzwa Musarara, GMAZ Chairman.
Economists have also been charmed by Zimbabwe’s prospects of moving to within globally acceptable thresholds for maize and wheat import covers which are key determinants to currency stability.
“For Zimbabwe to have an average maize import cover of 12 months it means there will be currency stability in 2022 and this gives the country fiscal legroom to further strengthen the country’s economic development matrix,” said Titus Mukove an Economist.
“The obtaining situation speaks volumes to how the government has moved mountains in the agricultural sector for the sustainable economic development of the country as Zimbabwe is an agro-based economy,” said Paison Tazvivinga, a Development Economist.
Economic researchers have noted Zimbabwe as a fast-growing economy post covid-19 on account of a bumper harvest during the last summer cropping season.
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