Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
Buy Zimbabwe has collaborated with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to host the first-ever Fisheries Value Chain Indaba tomorrow in Harare.
Fish production is anticipated to grow from 26 231 tonnes to 35 697 tonnes by 2025 under the Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS).
However, the fisheries value chain is facing many challenges that need to be addressed if the target is to be met.
Buy Zimbabwe general manager Mr Alois Burutsa said the challenges centred around the imposition of value-added tax on fish, the price of fish feed, as well as lease and harvest fees charged by key stakeholders in the industry.
“The US$1 000 monthly purchase cap on non-tax compliant businesses and informal traders have impacted negatively on the distribution chain of big producers, while producers are also concerned by the high price of fish feed,” he said.
“The indaba seeks to map a way forward for the fish industry which is facing several challenges.”
He said Buy Zimbabwe members in the fish industry raised concerns over cheap imports, high lease fees and harvest fees charged by the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority for carrying out fishing activities on Lake Kariba.
“While the key role of fisheries in rural development has been underscored, no forum has been dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by the fish industry to ensure sustainable growth, hence our partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to host this indaba,” said Mr Burutsa.
Online Reporter