Government has issued 807 import permits to 420 private companies to bring in 4 131 260 tonnes of maize by March next year.

This is part of the Government's drought mitigation measures to ensure food security.

The estimated imports are four times the estimated deficit and are expected stabilise prices and eliminate arbitrage opportunities.

To date, the private sector, which is expected to import all urban and stockfeed requirements until March next year has imported a total of 812 165 tonnes of grain.

Zimbabwe largely imports grain from South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said impactful partnerships are critical in boosting food security in the country.

"The private sector is doing well in complementing the Government's efforts to avert hunger and food insecurity. We have allowed the private sector to import as much as they can up to date. The idea is to avoid shortages and ensure affordable prices of mealie meal on the market," he said.

The importation of maize by private players is critical to mitigating the effects of the El-Nino-induced drought.

Recently, Grain Millers' Association of Zimbabwe national chairperson Dr Tafadzwa Musarara said they were ready to continue supporting the Government to end hunger among the citizens.

So far Government has four components for addressing the hunger situation in the country including a winter wheat drought response strategy, contracting farmers to grow maize, sorghum and other crops, importing mealie meal and supporting summer cereals production.