Zimbabwe slashes regulatory charges to boost dairy farming

ZIMBABWE – The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Zimbabwe has announced sweeping reforms that reduce farm registration fees under the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) to US$1.

At the same time, small and medium-sized farmers will no longer be required to obtain farm registration certificates. Large-scale farmers will now pay US$50, down from the previous higher charges.

In a statement released, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said the measures take effect immediately to reduce production challenges and simplify regulations in the livestock, dairy, and stock feed sectors.

As a result of government interventions, the Agriculture Marketing Authority’s 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, while the livestock movement clearance fee is now US$5 per herd, down from US$10 per head.

Livestock and Meat Advisory Council, Economist, Dr Reneth Mano, said, “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 cost.

“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.”

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

Additionally, the meat export registration fees have been reduced to US$100 from US$500 annually, and abattoir fees have been slashed from US$350 to US$50.

Borehole water fees, livestock development levies, biotechnology import licences, and the cattle levy, among others, have been removed.

Federation of Young Farmers Club Zimbabwe Trustee, Mr. Felix Vengesai, added, “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 maximise production for the benefit of the nation.”

The Treasury stated that the reductions in fees, levies, licenses, and taxes by government agencies are in line with creating modern, efficient, and business-friendly regulatory systems that drive inclusive growth.

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