Government targets 900,000MT grain reserve to bolster food security

The Cabinet has announced plans to secure a strategic grain reserve exceeding 900,000 metric tons through the Grain Marketing Board following the 2025/26 harvest. Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka cited positive projections from the latest crop and livestock reports as the basis for this target. The government is positioning this reserve as a critical buffer against potential food shortages and inflationary pressures. However, the success of this initiative depends on the state's ability to manage procurement and distribution effectively. The focus on grain reserves reflects a strategic pivot toward ensuring national stability through food self-sufficiency. The state is leveraging agricultural output to mitigate the risks of supply chain disruptions and social unrest.