adminFarai Rugeje Agriculture Reporter
Farmers are uneasy about the reintroduction of a land tax of US$1 per hectare per month on A1 and A2 farms, with many saying the initiative has come at a bad time for them.
This follows a directive from the Lands and Rural Resettlement Ministry that all A1 and A2 farmers a pay land tax. The revenue would be used for infrastructure development.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union vice president Mr Berean Mukwende said although re-introduction of the land tax was good in terms of development, the charge of US$1 per hectare was too high.
“The charge should be reduced to twenty US cents per hectare since it has been a tough year for farmers due to the poor rains and lack of adequate capital from Government.
“The charges should be reduced to meet the cost of production of the farmers. Since this is a new initiative, it should be affordable for most farmers who are facing high production costs,” he said.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Association Trust Mrs Depinah Nkomo added: “The charges are exorbitant and should be reduced. Areas such as Matabeleland that have poor harvests annually, therefore will need to pay less since they will not be able to cater for their costs.”
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union vice president Mr Johnson Mapira said Government should also consider high production costs.
“Already farmers are paying levy to the rural district councils and double payments will be a huge blow to the struggling farmers,” he said.
However, Mr Thomas Chitaru of Hurungwe said it was only “lazy” farmers who complained of positive initiatives from Government.
“There is nothing wrong with the land tax. We are in business and it’s now time that we should start supporting our Government’s initiatives. We were given land and in some cases some inputs, so let us pay these taxes so that we have good dust roads, clinics and dip tanks. Our colleagues in town pay taxes and surely why should we not pay too,” said Mr Chitaru.
A Macheke farmer said the country would not move forward with such “crybabies”.
“Farming is a business and we need serious people in that sector. Surely those people are the ones discrediting our land reform programme. If they cannot stand the heat, let them get out of land and bring in more serious people on waiting list.
“Those making noise are the ones who grabbed more than what they can use. Why do you need 700 hectares when you can afford to work on 20 only?” he asked.
Online Reporter