Government has introduced sweeping cost-cutting measures in the agricultural sector, slashing licences, permits and levies in a move aimed at easing the burden on farmers and agribusiness operators while boosting production.
The reforms, which cut across key sub-sectors including crops, horticulture and fisheries, are expected to improve productivity by lowering the cost of doing business and enhancing competitiveness.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, said the measures are part of broader 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 significantly reduced. Contractor registration fees have been cut from US$1 000 to US$250, while trader registration fees were lowered from US$1 000 to US$100.
Environmental compliance costs have also been reduced, with effluent discharge fees slashed from US$27 000 to US$13 500.
“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,” said Dr Masuka.
In the fisheries sector, Government has removed the 15.5% Value Added Tax on fish and fish products. Fees under the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority have also been reduced, with lake lease charges cut from US$30 000 to US$15 000, while fish harvest fees have been scrapped.
“These measures are designed to enhance viability within the subsectors and improve returns for producers,” he said.
Additional interventions include the introduction of stricter penalties for the theft of agricultural produce and equipment, as well as the removal of import licence requirements for agricultural machinery spare parts for farmers’ own use.
Dr Masuka said regulatory reforms in dam construction are also intended to incentivise private investment in water infrastructure.
These reforms mark a significant shift towards a more efficient and farmer-friendly regulatory framework, as Government moves to ease the cost burden on producers, improve viability across sub-sectors and position agriculture to drive production, food security and economic growth.
