By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Suspended Zanu PF Mazowe District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairman Tafadzwa Musarara has launched a legal challenge against the government’s grain import levy framework, warning that the policy could trigger increases in the prices of bread, mealie meal and other basic commodities.
Musarara, who also chairs the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ), fronted a High Court application seeking to halt the implementation of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, a key component of Government’s import substitution and agricultural financing strategy.
However, the High Court struck the matter off the urgent roll, allowing authorities to proceed with implementing the levy regime while broader debates continue over food security, local production and the cost of basic goods.
In its court application, GMAZ argued that the levies would significantly increase production costs for millers, with the burden ultimately being passed on to consumers.
Musarara warned that bread prices could rise above US$1 per loaf and indicated that grain millers may be forced to adjust prices for other staple products if the levies remain in place.
The millers’ association maintains that the policy risks worsening the cost-of-living burden on consumers at a time when many households are already struggling with high food prices.
Government, however, insists the levy framework is necessary to support local grain production, strengthen irrigation infrastructure and reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on imported agricultural products.
Officials argue that revenues generated through the programme are being directed towards farmer support initiatives and irrigation development projects aimed at boosting domestic food production.
Treasury has reaffirmed its support for the revised grain marketing framework, saying the measures are critical to long-term food security and agricultural sustainability.
Authorities say approximately US$5.7 million has already been raised through the levy system, with funds earmarked for irrigation schemes and farmer payments.
Supporters of the policy, including the Indigenous Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (IGMAZ), welcomed the High Court ruling and described the levy framework as an important intervention to protect local agriculture and promote indigenous participation in the grain value chain.
IGMAZ warned that excessive reliance on imports could undermine domestic producers and weaken Zimbabwe’s efforts to build a self-sustaining agricultural sector.
Agricultural stakeholders backing the policy argue that strengthening local production capacity is essential for reducing foreign currency outflows and improving national food sovereignty.
Farmer organisations and Government officials have also defended the legality of the levies, arguing that the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act empowers authorities to impose such measures in pursuit of agricultural development and food security objectives.
The dispute has intensified debate over the balance between protecting consumers from rising food prices and supporting policies aimed at expanding domestic agricultural production and reducing reliance on imports.
