RICHARD SHUMBA
In response to the looming threat of food scarcity worsened by the El Niño-induced drought, the government has taken decisive action to alleviate pressure on food supply chains through abolishing Value Added Tax (VAT) on rice, a move aimed at bolstering food security across the nation.
Dr Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, recently underscored the necessity of this measure considering the shifting consumption patterns.
Dr. Masuka said a significant portion of the population, particularly the younger demographic, has increasingly turned to rice and potato consumption.
“With Zimbabwe’s domestic rice production accounting for less than 1% of the country’s total requirement, reliance on imports has become paramount,” he said
He revealed that Zimbabwe currently consumes a staggering 10,000 metric tons of rice monthly, translating to an annual import volume of 120,000 metric tons.
Value Added Tax, a levy imposed on the value added at each stage of production and distribution, has long contributed to the cost burden on essential commodities like rice.
Its removal is expected to alleviate financial strain on consumers and bolster accessibility of this staple food item.
However, the grip of drought reveals a stark contrast in fortunes in the mining industry as the parched earth tightens its hold on the land, as miners find a silver lining amidst the arid conditions, while farmers bear the brunt of nature’s relentless grasp.
