By Cathy Maulidi:
Malawians can now import maize from Tanzania following the Ministry of Agriculture’s decision to lift a ban it imposed on the same.
The development comes weeks after the ministry imposed the ban due to the presence of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) in the neighbouring country.
In a statement, Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dickxie Kampani says the ministry has lifted the ban following reports that the disease has been contained.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has been in constant communication with the Tanzanian Plant Health and Pesticides Authority to share information on the prevalence of the disease. From the discussion and reports provided, the Tanzanian authorities have submitted evidence and demonstrated that the disease has been contained.
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“Given this position, traders are permitted to import maize from Tanzania after getting the necessary import authorisation and documentation, including sanitary and phytosanitary authorisation, from both Malawian and Tanzanian authorities,” Kampani says.
The ministry has assured people that it will be in constant communication with Tanzanian authorities to share information on any change that might arise with regard to the presence of the disease.
Kampani also says the ministry will continue to monitor the situation, including carrying out periodic random tests on maize imports to ensure that the grain is safe.
However, Agriculture Committee of Parliament Chairperson Sameer Suleman has advised government not to be in a rush to import the maize without conducting an independent test.
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“My concern is why are we relying on evidence provided to us by the Tanzania authorities? Can’t we conduct our own tests first before lifting the ban? I am worried that we may end up feeding our people diseased maize,” Suleman said.
