Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has maintained an importation ban on all types of crops that can be sourced in enough quantities in the country to meet demand.
These are butternut, English cucumber, green pepper, coloured pepper, pumpkin and sweet potato. According to a notice signed by chief executive Fidelis Mwazi and posted on the NAB website, the ban is applicable for the month of March 2022.
However, the importation of gem squash, onion, potato washed, water melon, sweet melon and spinach has been open without restriction, except for the 47% market share promotion initiative.
In terms of this initiative, importers of fresh horticultural produce are required to source a minimum percentage of their products from Namibian producers prior to qualifying for an import permit. The threshold is currently at 47%.
Other crops can be imported on a pro-rata basis with 50% importation allowed for all types of beetroot and carrots. Only 30% importation is allowed for all types of cabbage, round/jam tomato, sweetcorn and lettuce (iceberg).
Import controls are implemented by the NAB border control inspectorate who monitors all Namibian borders to regulate the movement of agronomic and horticultural products into and out of the country.
The purpose therefore is two-fold, firstly to implement the local marketing mechanisms for agronomy and horticultural crops in respect of border closure, and/or restriction of imports of certain products.
Secondly, the controls are to safeguard the consumer both in Namibia and in export markets from products that may be of sub-standard quality and food safety risks.
NAB manages the Noordoewer, Ariamsvlei, Buitepos, Muhembo, Ngoma, Wenela, Katwitwi, Oshikango, Omahenene and Walvis Bay entry points into Namibia.
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