By Margaret Kamba 

ZANU PF Secretary General Cde Obert Mpofu says the ruling Party must do all that is in it power to help alleviate the looming hunger as people look up to it.

Speaking during the Policy and Coordinating meeting at the Party headquarters this Monday morning, Cde Mpofu said the weather patterns are evident of a disaster.

"As the year progresses and as there continues to be no signs of any rain, it has become evident that we are headed for a difficult agricultural season. There is an El Nino induced drought that will most likely render the current farming season unproductive. Since farming is the mainstay of our economy, this means that a lot of our people will likely face food shortages. We must therefore start preparing now for what seems to be a difficult year ahead," Cde Mpofu said.

"In order to circumvent the looming challenges in terms of food security, the Government has set aside an initial $44 billion to facilitate the delivery of food to about three million people considered food-insecure, while millers plan to import 1,1 million tonnes of grain as part of measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the El Niño-induced drought. 

"Beneficiaries will receive free food during the forthcoming peak hunger period under the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme. At least 71 500 tonnes of cereals, maize, sorghum and millet have been earmarked for distribution to all 63 rural districts targeted under the programme.

"In addition, the Party should do whatever it can to source assistance from some of our traditional partners to try and alleviate the situation. Since we are the ruling Party, the people will always look up to us in such difficult times."