HARARE, Mar. 18 (NewsDay Live) - Government has introduced cost-cutting measures in the agricultural sector aimed at reducing the burden of licences, permits and levies on farmers and agribusiness operators.
The reforms affect several sub-sectors, including crops, horticulture and fisheries, and are expected to improve production by lowering the cost of doing business.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka said the measures are part of efforts to improve efficiency and support growth in the sector.
“The review process is aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, increasing competitiveness, enhancing the viability of enterprises and enabling the growth of the Zimbabwean economy,” he said.
Under the new structure, fees under the Agricultural Marketing Authority have been reduced. Contractor registration fees were cut from US$1 000 to US$250, while trader registration fees were reduced from US$1 000 to US$100.
Environmental compliance costs have also been lowered, with effluent discharge fees reduced from US$27 000 to US$13 500.
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“The streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, and the removal of unnecessary levies and fees, is a deliberate step to support production,” Masuka said.
In the fisheries sector, the Government removed the 15.5 percent Value Added Tax on fish and fish products. Fees under the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority were also reduced, including lake lease charges from US$30 000 to US$15 000, while fish harvest fees were scrapped.
“These measures are designed to enhance viability within the subsectors and improve returns for producers,” Masuka said.
Additional measures include stricter penalties for theft of agricultural produce and equipment, as well as the removal of import licence requirements for agricultural machinery spare parts for farmers’ own use.
“Regulatory reforms in dam construction are intended to incentivise individuals and the private sector to invest in private dam construction,” Masuka said.