Calls for govt to slash Land Unit Tax

A call has been made for the government to consider reviewing downwards the Land Unit Tax in cattle ranching regions where farmers occupy larger pieces of land and returns per hectare are low.

The call emerged during a consultative meeting by the Zimbabwe Land Commission in Gwanda.

In 2015, the government introduced land levies that saw A1 farmers paying $15 a year for the land they occupy, while A2 farmers are expected to pay land rentals of $3 per hectare per annum and $2 unit tax per hectare.

A2 farmers in Matabeleland South province say while payment of land tax is critical, the government should review the fees downwards as livestock farming, despite it consuming large hectares of land, its returns take longer period compared to crop production.

The chairperson of the Zimbabwe Land Commission, Ms Tendai Bare assured farmers that their concerns will be looked into so that agricultural activities in the country are enhanced.

Other issues raised in the meeting included poor land administration by district and provincial land committees, the need for farmers to have security of tenure and boundary disputes, among others.

The nine member commission is mandated to ensure accountability, fairness and transparency in the administration of agricultural land.