Govt okays duty free imports of grain
Private companies can now import maize without paying duty as part of the extra precautions being taken to ensure that the possible lower rainfall this season as a result of an El Nino will not lead to a point of inadequate grains stocks.
The announcement of the tax concession was made when the Government was announcing the 2023/24 incentive planning production prices of traditional grains, maize, soyabeans and sunflower.
The Meteorological Services Department had predicted possible erratic and low rainfall patterns this year prompted by El Nino conditions which will affect Southern Africa as a result of climate change. The actual assessment will be made very soon before the start of the season after regional meteorologists have made their best predictions for the coming season.
Speaking during the incentive planning prices for the main summer crops for the 2023/24 season in Harare, Finance and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube indicated that they want to ensure adequate supply of food in the country, hence attractive prices for farmers, with this backed by allowing private concerns to import maize without duty.
‘’We are opening up borders with immediate effect and allowing the private sector to import maize with no duty as well. The same thing applies to the household imports of maize meal which we opened a few months ago. That continues to ensure supply so private players should engage in importation of grain . We want to support our citizens,’’ he said.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said permitting imports of maize by private firms was with immediate effect and those companies with their own resources could import as much as they wished.
‘’Mealie meal imports by households will continue and the two ministries of agriculture and of industry and commerce, will be working out the detailed modalities with finance and investment promotion to see what quantities per household does this mean so that commercial consignments are excluded from these arrangements.
For More Details Visit: https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-okays-duty-free-imports-of-grain/
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