Staff Writer
Chiredzi South Member of Parliament Darlington Chiwa says government must provide subsidies to sugar growers in the region to boost their production costs and lower market prices.
Lately sugar prices have been going up after Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube introduced a biting sugar tax.
World wide taxes on luxuries are heightened to aid economies and cash in on big lifestyle spenders.
Chiwa said the move to offer subsidies to sugar growers will help lower production costs for the enterprising farmers.
“Sugar in Zimbabwe is generally higher than the region due to the high production costs. However, one way to circumvent this is for government to provide sugar growers with subsidies. This will not only boost sugar production but motivate the farmers through lowering their production costs,” Chiwa said.
The MP explained that the sugar varieties grown in Zimbabwe take 12 months to mature, while in other countries the varieties mature in just 6 months meaning it is more expensive to produce sugar in Zimbabwe hence the need for government subsidies.
“This longer maturation period leads to higher production costs, which is a key driver of the high sugar prices in Zimbabwe,” he said.
On another note, Chiwa reassured consumers that the current El Niño-induced drought spell affecting many crops across the country is unlikely to impact on sugar production.
“Sugar is usually drought-resistant and will require at least two drought years to be affected,” he said.
“Consumers do not need to worry much about a possible sugar shortage, as the yield is not affected.
He acknowledged the central government’s position, stating that it is a global trend to tax products that have an impact on people’s health.
“I understand the government’s rationale in setting up the tax, as it is in line with global practices,” he said.
Chiwa’s call for government subsidies to sugar growers is an effort to alleviate the burden on consumers and make sugar more affordable in Zimbabwe.
With the central government’s intervention, Cde Chiwa said the cost of this essential commodity could result in significant reduction, benefiting households across the country.
About Author
