Vongai Masuka

Zimbabwe is set to import Genetically Modified (GM) maize as the country struggles with a deepening food crisis caused by an unprecedented dry spell.

The Minister of Agriculture, Hon Anxious Masuka revealed that the government has decided to allow the private sector to continue importing maize for human consumption.

“On Food security outlook of April 2024 to March 2025, this is what we deliberated on and we said that the private sector must continue to import maize for human consumption.

“We also said that if they wished to import genetically modified maize, they can do so,” Minister Masuka said.

The severe drought has resulted in a significant loss of the 2023/2024 maize crop, prompting officials to take action to avert what could potentially be one of the worst drought in history.

Despite Zimbabwe’s previous ban on the cultivation or sale of GM crops, some advocates are urging the government to reconsider its stance and embrace the cultivation of genetically modified crops.

This year’s maize harvest is facing a decline by more than half of the expected yield, leaving authorities with no choice but to rely on imports to bridge the shortfall.