Based on the premise that there are sufficient supplies for the local market, the Zimbabwe government has reinstated a ban on maize imports.
Quoting a news report by Reuters, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo says the government wants to ensure maximum price realisation for the domestic producers before allowing imports.
Sihlobo says it remains unclear if Zimbabwe has sufficient maize supplies for the year or will need imports later. Zimbabwes 2024-25 maize production is forecast at 1.3 million tonnes, according to recent data from the Pretoria-based unit of the United States Department of Agriculture USDA. This is just more than twice the output from the previous season, which was a drought period, he points out.