Business Reporter
FARMERS in Matabeleland North have called on the government to act in order to curb rampant smuggling of agricultural produce coming from Zambia, which they said was killing their business.
Contributing during a Chronicle business breakfast meeting in Bulawayo on Wednesday, farmers said their operations were choked by the flooding of imports via the Victoria Falls Border Post.

“We’re happy the government is setting up a committee to deal with imports. As farmers we’ve a problem with an increase in selling of imported agriculture products especially in Matabeleland North.

“Imported products are coming in just across the border from Victoria Falls,” said Irene Maphenduka, a prominent farmer and former Zimbabwe Commercial Farming (ZCFU) Matabeleland North president.

Umguza legislator, who is Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister, Dr Obert Mpofu, acknowledged the problem saying farmers in Matabeleland North had approached him seeking government intervention on increased imports in the province.

“They (farmers) came to my home complaining that agricultural products were increasingly being smuggled into the country from Zambia. We’ve assured them that will be stopped,” he said.

Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha, who also attended the meeting, admitted that imports were killing the economy and blamed porous borders for fuelling smuggling.

“I support the Buy Zimbabwe drive but consumers always look at the cost and prefer cheaper products. The problem is that not all imports come through the normal channels.

“There’s a lot of smuggling going on. This involves corrupt officials at our borders and that is why products come in when they are not supposed to come,” he said.

Bimha said applying duty and licences for imports was not enough as smuggling continues.

“Smuggling is real and it’s not a ministry issue alone. It’s a complex issue that needs a multi-sectorial approach. Everybody should be involved to ensure goods enter the country through the normal channels,” he said.

The minister announced the formation of a committee to deal with the problem of imports and an advisory one to enhance the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.

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