Import ban on South African maize and palm products lifted
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has lifted the ban on importing maize, maize products, palm, and palm products from South Africa after research showed Goss’s Wilt mainly affects maize seed, not grain, and that Bud Rot in palms can be managed. However, caution is advised in importation to avoid introducing plant diseases. Updated phytosanitary requirements will be issued, and permits reinstated.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has lifted the importation and transit ban on maize, maize products, palm, and palm products from South Africa.
This decision follows extensive research conducted by the Ministry regarding the detection of Bud Rot of Palms and Goss’s Wilt on maize in South Africa, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform said in a statement released on Wednesday.
According to Nghituwamata research conducted and ongoing monitoring revealed that Goss’s Wilt primarily affects maize seed rather than the grain. Similarly, measures related to Bud Rot in palms will be adjusted accordingly.
“While the ban has been lifted, MAWLR advises caution in the importation of the aforementioned plant and plant products to prevent the introduction of harmful plant diseases into Namibia. Importers should avoid the movement of potentially affected materials to reduce the risk of introducing these bacteria into the country. As part of this revision, the Ministry will update the phytosanitary import requirements for the above-mentioned products,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ministry has encouraged producers, importers, and the public to act prudently and to follow all guidelines set forth to mitigate risks associated with the introduction of these bacterial diseases.
“All previously issued permits, as well as new permit applications, will be reinstated immediately. MAWLR will continue its research and monitoring efforts to incorporate preventative measures of Goss’s Wilt and Bud Rot into Namibia’s phytosanitary protocols, as part of a broader preventive measure as the Plant Quarantine Act No. 7 of 2008,” she concluded.
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Source : Economist
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