Crop import controls boost local production

Restrictions on the import of special crop products are yielding positive results for Namibia.

The country’s horticulture sector is experiencing growth and satisfying national demand for most crops on the list.

Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) chief executive Fidelis Mwazi in a notice says the border will be closed for the importation of 11 specially controlled products from 1 to 30 August.

“This is in line with the Agronomic Industry Act and the Namibian Horticulture Promotion Scheme rules and regulations,” he says.

The crops closed for importation in August are all types and sizes of beetroot, butternut, cabbage carrot, English cucumber, coloured pepper onion, pumpkin, cocktail tomato, round tomato and spinach, except for exclusions.

Of the 20 crops on the list, only six can be imported without restriction, although the 47% market-share promotion applies.

These crops are gem squash, potato washed, sweet potato, watermelon, sweet melon and sweetcorn.

“This is to protect Namibian producers against cheap imports that could hinder the growth of the local sector and to spur growth of the nascent local horticultural sector,” Mwazi says.

Namibia recently celebrated reaching 55% food self-sufficiency through the promotion of local production by the government and development partners.

Mwazi says, where local farmers cannot fully satisfy local demand of horticultural products, the NAB allowed the implementation of a pro rata importation schedule for those crops.

Only three crops are listed under this arrangement for August.

Mwazi allowed the importation of 15% of all types and sizes of jam tomato, except for exclusions, to complement local production.

He also directed that up to 20% of all types and sizes of lettuce (iceberg) can be imported, except for exclusions.

“Up to 50% requirements of all types and sizes of green pepper can be imported, except for exclusions,” he says.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na