Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
GOVERNMENT’S ease of doing business reforms are gaining momentum after the slashing of farming and livestock licence fees, taxes, and permits to lower costs, increase production, and boost economic development.
In a statement released this Wednesday, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube said the measures are with immediate effect to reduce production challenges and simplify regulations in the livestock, dairy, and stock feed sectors.
As a result of government interventions, Agriculture Marketing Authority farm registration fees are now pegged at
a flat fee of US$1, dairy processing fees have been reduced from US$350 to US$50 once off, while the livestock movement clearance fee is now pegged at US$5 per herd from US$10 per head.
Import permit for livestock genetics have been slashed from US$100 to US$20, export registration fees for dairy products have also been reduced from US$900 to US$10, meat export registration fees being reduced to US$100 from US$500 annually, abattoir fees have been slashed from US$350 to US$50, borehole water fees, livestock development levies, biotechnology import licences, cattle levy, among others, have been removed.
Livestock and Meat Advisory Council, Economist, Dr Reneth Mano applauded the government’s latest interventions.
“Today is a historic moment for the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe because for some time we have been in talks with the government regarding the high costs but the government has responded to us and they have responded in a positive way in a manner that shows how they are committed to the growth of the farming industry in Zimbabwe. Indeed we are really happy and we further expect to continue doing our best in terms of facilitating the growth of the farming industry in Zimbabwe,” Economist, Livestock and Meat Advisory Council, Dr Mano said.
Federation of Young Farmers Club Zimbabwe Trustee, Mr. Felix Vengesai outlined the importance of the new measures.
“Such an element is a true testament that the government is committed to the ease of doing business reforms in Zimbabwe, by reducing the costs and facilitating continued growth the agricultural sector is now poised for imminent strides or growth arising from the latest interventions so indeed it is now our duty as farmers to do the best that is maximize production for the benefit of the nation,” he said.
Treasury states that the reductions in the fees, levies, licences, and taxes by government agencies are in line with creating modern, efficient, and business-friendly regulatory systems that drive inclusive growth.
