HARARE - A top ally of President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday said Zimbabwe should not be relying on wheat imported from South Africa and other neighbours in case Zimbabwe goes to war with them.

Zimbabwe needs around 450,000 tonnes of wheat each year, but experts say the country is only likely to harvest around 20,000 tonnes this year. 

Acting Agriculture Minister Ignatius Chombo said Zimbabwe’s wheat imports are keeping South African companies in business. 

He said Zimbabwe must fund agriculture and produce its own food. 

In an interview with a state newspaper, Chombo asked what would happen if Zimbabwe went to war with South Africa, or any other country it imports food from. 

Zimbabwe is also importing maize from Zambia to feed hungry villagers after poor harvests. 

Chombo’s comments drew criticism from Education Minister David Coltart, who wrote on Twitter that ZANU-PF’s paranoia knows no bounds.