GOVERNMENT will restore the subsidy on grain to ensure the price of mealie meal remains affordable to the majority.In the 2020 Budget Statement, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube had scrapped the subsidy government extended to millers when purchasing grain from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). The scrapping of the subsidy had resulted in skyrocketing prices of mealie meal to levels beyond the reach of the average consumer.However, addressing the ZANU PF Youth League National Convention held in Kadoma, Party First Secretary and President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa said his administration would pursue a cheap food policy to ensure the majority of Zimbabweans buy basic commodities at affordable prices."During the presentation of the 2020 National Budget the subsidy on grain was removed resulting in rising prices for mealie meal but the officials had not fully consulted with me and I have directed that the measure be reversed immediately. We can not have the cost of mealie meal rising beyond the reach of many because it's a basic commodity. Before the end of the week a law will be gazetted restoring the subsidy. My government will pursue a cheap food policy". Said President MnangagwaTurning to the role of youths in developing the country, President Mnangagwa said it was imperative for young people to be mainstreamed in both the economic and political affairs of Zimbabwe.President Mnangagwa said the youths should draw a leaf from his generation which prosecuted the liberation struggle at a tender age.In order to ensure a greater role for youth in agriculture the President said the land rationalisation exercise would give priority to young people."We are carrying out a land audit and I have already received preliminary reports that show many people with multiple farms and from this province of Mash West I know of a family with several farms. These individuals will be exposed when the report is made public. Youths will be given priority when we take land from the multiple farm owners".Responding to concerns raised by youths in mining on the rampant corruption of some officials involved in allocation of claims the President vowed to clamp down on the errant individuals.He said his administration was also concerned with the abuse of Executive Prospecting Orders (EPOs) and was working on revising the law to ensure greater participation of youths.Minister of Agriculture Cde Perrence Shiri, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Cde Witness Chitando and Cde Tendai Machakaire Deputy Minister of Youth outlined some of the activities their ministries are undertaking in support of the Youth empowerment objectives.Also in attendance were several Politburo members led by ZANU PF Secretary for Administration, Cde Obert Mpofu.