Africa-Press – Namibia. AS FARMERS start marketing some of their matured produce, the Namibia Agronomic Board has imposed an import ban on watermelons, which are found in abundance in the country during November.
This is to safeguard the Namibian consumer from imports that may be of substandard quality and may pose food safety risks. According to a notice on the NAB website, topping the list of banned imports between 1 and 30 November are all types, size groups and container sizes of fresh, chilled, whole or cut watermelons and sweet melons.
Also making the list of banned imports for this month are all types, size groups and container sizes of fresh, chilled, whole or cut green head cabbages. This crop has been on the ban list for at least two months.
“All types of onions and sweetcorn can also not be imported during November, as a way of protecting local producers. And the border will also be closed for the importation all types of English cucumber,” said the NAB.
There will also be a ban on all types and sizes of sweet potato for two weeks, until 15 November. Only 20% importation of all types, size groups and container sizes of fresh, chilled, whole or cut lettuce (iceberg) will be allowed.
The importation of fresh, chilled, whole or cut tomatoes round/jam has been set at 50% while the importation of butternut will only apply in the first two weeks of November.
Also open for importation until 15 November are fresh, chilled, whole and cut gem squash and whole and cut carrots. The board will allow the unrestricted importation of green pepper, washed potatoes and coloured peppers.
NAB controls ports of entry and exit at Noordoewer, Ariamsvlei, Buitepos, Muhembo, Ngoma, Wenela, Katwitwi, Oshikango, Omahenene and Walvis Bay. Email: [email protected]
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