Published: 8 hours ago

The Government and key milling industry stakeholders have clarified that Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025 does not apply to wheat, and therefore cannot be used to justify any increase in the price of bread.

Authorities say the statutory measure, gazetted last month, is intended to secure markets for local maize and other grains, ensuring guaranteed buyers for farmers - while explicitly excluding wheat from its provisions.

Speaking during the commissioning of the AI-powered Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Mutare Silo Complex yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, dismissed claims linking the new regulation to bread price hikes.

"SI 87 of 2025 allows the importation of grains by agro-processors, millers and stock feed manufacturers," said Prof Jiri. "It seeks to protect local farmers by ensuring they have off-takers for their grain and that processors source at least 40 percent of their raw materials locally."

He explained that the regulation introduces a US$10 per tonne application fee on maize imports, but does not affect wheat, soya beans or other grains.

"There have been no changes on wheat, which continues to be imported free of charge. There is therefore no justification for any increase in the price of bread or flour," Prof Jiri said.

He added that Zimbabwe's current maize supplies remain adequate, with strong local harvests keeping prices stable for both maize grain and maize meal.

Mega Market Managing Director, Mr. Shiraan Ahmed, echoed the Government's position, assuring consumers that bread and flour prices will remain stable.

"The Agricultural Marketing Authority's clarification this morning makes it clear - the US$10 levy only applies to maize imports, not wheat," he said. "Following this clarity, there's no ambiguity, and I'm confident prices will remain stable. Bread should stay at US$1, and no increases are anticipated."

Mr. Ahmed noted that global maize prices have also declined, offsetting the new import levy's impact on mealie-meal prices.

In a separate statement, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) said SI 87 of 2025 was promulgated on September 5, 2025, to promote structured grain importation and value chain financing.

"The instrument encourages investment in local agricultural production, prevents opportunistic imports that undermine domestic farmers, and enables targeted importation of raw materials to address production gaps," AMA said.

The Authority added that the statutory instrument derives its powers from the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act [Chapter 18:24], which authorises AMA to impose levies on agricultural produce - including imports - to promote orderly marketing and sector development.
- The Chronicle

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