THE Namibian Agronomic Board has announced that 10 of 18 specially controlled horticultural products will not be available for importation starting 1 December.
This is in accordance with the Namibian Horticulture Market Share Promotion Scheme (MSP) rules and regulations.
It is also a sign that local farmers produce enough horticultural product on the ban list for the month.
A notice was issued by Fidelis Mwazi, chief executive officer of NAB (CEO), to all horticulture trader on 23 November. It stated that Namibia’s borders would be closed to all types and sizes beetroots, cabbage, carrots, coloured peppers, green peppers, round jam tomatoes, water melon sweet melon and lettuce (iceberg) except for those exclusions.
The closure of these products’ borders is also intended to protect local producers against cheap imports that could lead to a glut in perishable horticultural products.
This could lead to farmers losing their income, which could hinder the growth of the local economy.
Sweet potato and sweetcorn are only two crops that can be imported pro-rata.
Mwazi stated that traders can only import 50% of the two types and sizes of these crops in December.
“Butternut and English cucumber are open for importation without restriction, but the 47% market-share promotion (MSP) applies until 15 December,” he said.
The statement stated that gem squash, onion and washed potatoes are all open for import without restriction, with the exception of the 47% MSP.
It also stated that the notice is subjected to change and traders will be notified accordingly.
The NAB Border Control Inspectorate conducts border controls to control movement of horticultural or agronomic products into and out the country.
This is why it is important to establish local marketing mechanisms for Agronomy and Horticulture crops with respect to border closures and/or restrictions on imports of certain products.
It is also to safeguard the consumer – both in Namibia and in export markets – from products that may be of substandard quality and food safety risks.
The NAB manages Namibia’s entry and exit points: Noordoewer (Ariamsvlei), Muhembo, Muhembo.
Source: namibian
