Russia-Ukraine War: Local Millers Search For Alternative Wheat Sources
The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has reportedly secured alternative wheat sources following supply chain disruptions in Eastern Europe caused by the ongoing war involving the world’s biggest producers, Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine and Russia supply 30% of wheat and 20% of maize to global markets, according to the World Food Programme.
According to GMAZ, almost 60% of wheat consumed in Zimbabwe comes from Russia and Ukraine.
GMAZ chairman Tafadzwa Musarara told The Standard that his organisation plans to import 180 000 tonnes of wheat to meet local demand from now until the next wheat harvest. He said:
We have been following the geopolitics in the Balkan area and the Russian/Ukraine war did not come as a surprise.
As a forward-looking organisation, we had secured other sources, notwithstanding the fact that the two countries which are at war are ranked number one (Russia) and number five (Ukraine) on the world wheat exporters and producers.
We are planning to have close to 180 000 tonnes of wheat imports that should see us between now and the next harvest. This is not only a Zimbabwean situation. It is a global crisis.
Musarara said GMAZ is in discussions with several suppliers from other countries to supply them with wheat.
He, however, did not disclose the potential suppliers.
