Online Reporter
Word From The Market
Tina Nleya
IN agriculture, accurate data is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
From planting patterns to national food reserves, every decision made by the Government, development partners and policymakers hinges on the availability of timely, reliable information.
At the heart of this information pipeline are mandatory returns submitted by stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including contractors, buyers, processors, brokers and traders.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA)’s recent warning to industry players about non-compliance with Statutory Instrument 140 of 2013 (SI 140) is a wake-up call.
These returns are more than just bureaucratic check boxes.
They are essential for understanding national food availability, assessing import/export needs, managing food reserves and responding to climatic or market shocks.
A legal obligation with consequences
Under SI 140, contractors must submit preliminary returns on contracted hectares by September 30 each year and final returns by January 31.
Meanwhile, brokers, buyers, processors and traders are legally bound to file monthly returns by the second week of each month, and end-of-season reports by the second week of April.
These provisions ensure transparency and give regulators an idea of what is being produced, bought, sold and stored across the country.
The law also mandates that all stakeholders maintain proper records, subject to inspection. The consequences of failing to comply are serious: offenders face fines, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.
More critically, AMA can suspend or cancel the operating licence of any non-compliant business.
Data-driven decisions in action
One of the strongest arguments for diligent return submission lies in the value of data in real-world policy decisions.
Let us look at a few notable cases, including a Zimbabwean example that underscores the stakes involved.
In 2016, following the El Niño-induced drought, Zimbabwe’s grain harvest was drastically reduced. Accurate data from returns enabled AMA and the Government to assess the extent of the shortfall quickly.
The result? A strategic decision was made to import more than 300 000 tonnes of maize, a move that helped stabilise food prices and prevent widespread food insecurity.
In contrast, Zambia’s 2017 maize season highlights how positive data can also support bold decisions.
With an estimated 3,6 million tonnes produced, up from 2,8 million the previous season, the Zambian government lifted its maize export ban.
This opened new markets for farmers and agribusinesses, demonstrating the economic upside of accurate production data.
Similarly, Ghana’s fertiliser subsidy programme is a case where data played a transformative role.
Initially plagued by inefficiencies and leakages, the programme was revamped using digital returns submitted by agro-dealers.
By linking subsidies to accurate sales data, Ghana managed to cut costs and increase fertiliser uptake, resulting in a 20 percent rise in national maize yields within two years.
Shaping the future through compliance
The message to agribusinesses is clear: submitting returns is not just a legal obligation, it is a strategic tool.
With reliable data, Zimbabwe can better manage imports and exports, calibrate strategic grain reserves and respond decisively to climatic shocks. Without it, decisions are based on guesswork. The country is then at risk of facing food shortages or wasted surpluses.
Compliance builds trust between regulators and market players.
It enables AMA to design policies that are fair, responsive and based on the real conditions experienced by producers and traders alike.
Timely data can even shield businesses from market volatility by ensuring early Government intervention.
For example, if returns indicate a strong early season for soya beans, AMA can act to protect domestic prices, perhaps through temporary export restrictions or price support mechanisms.
On the flip side, if returns flag declining volumes, policy responses such as duty waivers for imports or early release of grain reserves can help cushion the impact.
This kind of agile policymaking is only possible when returns are submitted accurately and on time.
AMA’s latest statement is a reminder to all players: enforcement will intensify.
Non-compliance will result in fines, prosecution or cancellation of licenses. But compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it is about being part of a data-driven, resilient agricultural economy.
In short, returns are more than reports; they are levers for stability and growth. Every hectare planted, every tonne harvested, every grain sold or bought matters.
By playing your part in the data ecosystem, you help ensure food security, support evidence-based policy and build a future where Zimbabwe’s agriculture can thrive sustainably.
Tina Nleya is AMA’s marketing and public relations manager. She can be contacted on email: [email protected]. Word From The Market is a column produced by AMA to promote market-driven production.
