Hope as Tanzania, Malawi set to end maize import ban
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Malawi have agreed to share report information describing the status of maize from individual countries before lifting the import ban imposed on the produce last month, citing food safety concerns.
The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides (TPHPA) director general, Prof Joseph Ndunguru, told The Citizen the decision was reached on Thursday during a virtual meeting involving plant health and pesticide control officials from both sides.
Last month, TPHPA issued a temporary ban on the importation of maize seeds from Malawi on the grounds of the ongoing Pest Risk Analysis, which includes an assessment of the risks associated with the introduction of genetically modified maize seeds.
On December 18 and 19, 2023, the authority issued an import ban on maize and soybeans, respectively, from Malawi on the grounds that a thorough Pest Risk Analysis which was conducted to update the phytosanitary import requirements of the produce from Malawi.
This comes at a critical time when Malawi faces a severe shortage of food following Cyclone Freddy’s crop destruction in the country.
Malawian authorities reportedly announced the ban on unmilled maize from Tanzania and Kenya, citing concerns about the spread of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND).
However, on Thursday, Prof Ndunguru said after the virtual meeting that the exchange of information would enable both sides to make informed decisions.
“We have passed through different issues to enable trade to continue. Therefore, we are currently finalising reports that will be shared among institutions on both sides,” he said…….
