Sharleen Mohammed 

Government has reopened borders to grain imports after a temporary ban designed to encourage millers and other processors to buy from local farmers first.

The import ban, which lasted nearly half a year, saw farmers directly benefiting as agro-processors purchased their stocks. 

Speaking to journalists in Harare today, Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Ministry, Professor Obert Jiri, said Zimbabwe produced enough grain in the 2024-25 season to take the country to the next harvest.

“We produced 2.3 million metric tonnes of maize and almost 600,000 metric tonnes of traditional grains. 

"For five months, millers and agro-processors have been buying directly from our farmers. But now, grain supplies for processors are running low, so we have reopened borders to allow imports, especially maize for stock feed,” he said.

He explained that reopening borders was part of a balancing act to keep millers and processors supplied while protecting Zimbabwean farmers.

“Our production costs are higher than in other countries. Imported maize can land cheaper than locally produced grain. This is why Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025 was put in place to make sure we import only when it is necessary and protect our farmers from unfair competition,” he said.

Professor Jiri added that preparations for the next farming season are already underway, with government determined to keep farmers productive and the country food secure.