Brazil announces zero tax on fish feeds

• Nigerian poultry, fish farmers demand same policy

The Federal Government of Brazil has announced a stop to fish feeds as an incentive to rev up food production in the country.

President Jair Bolsonaro said this while delivering a speech at the 2022 edition of the International Poultry and Pork Show at Holiday Inn, Sao Paulo.

He said from 2023, taxes would be stopped on fish feeds and more incentives would be given to farmers.

This was as the Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN) and the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) called on the Nigerian government to emulate Brazil in providing incentives to farmers.

Bolsonaro said he was happy to be among farmers who work, produce and make food available, not only for Brazilians but also for people around the world. 

He said: “I sure hope other third world economies can take a cue and apply the same policy.”
 
A poultry investor in Nigeria and former Oyo State chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Banji Akanji, said removing burdens off farmers with incentives, such as tax removal, is the best policy in times of crisis.

He was, however, pessimistic about the readiness of the Nigerian government to assist farmers accordingly.