The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has opened the border for the importation of seven crops, while keeping the border closed for another seven crops on the special controlled horticultural products for the period 1-30 September.
According to a notice to all horticultural traders in the country, issued by NAB chief executive officer Fidelis Mwazi, another six crops on the special list can be imported on a pro rata basis.
NAB closed the border for the importation of all types and sizes of beetroot, cabbage, carrot, onion, cocktail/cherry/mini plum and round tomato, except for exclusions.
Also closed for importation are all types and sizes of sweet potato, except for small sizes of 1-2 kilogrammes.
“Closed border and pro rata imports will be implemented in line with the Agronomic Industry Act and the Namibia Horticulture Market Share Promotion (MSP) scheme rules and regulations,” said Mwazi.
This is designed to promote the growth of the nascent horticulture industry in the country and protect local farmers and traders from competition from cheap imports that might cause a glut on the market.
Because local farmers will not be able to supply enough quantities to meet demand, NAB opened the border for the importation of coloured pepper, gem squash, pumpkin, water melon, sweet melon, sweetcorn and spinach without restriction although the 47% MSP applies.
This is another growth-at-home strategy implemented by NAB to stimulate horticultural production in Namibia and promote local sales of locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables by encouraging importers such as the wholesalers, catering companies and retailers to source locally.
The scheme obligates importers of fresh fruit and vegetables to procure at least 47% of their needs from local producers before they can be issued a permit to import the remainder of their requirements.
The importation of a number of crops has been allowed on a pro rata basis to make up for production shortfalls.
For lettuce (iceberg), 30% importation is allowed for the month without restriction, except for 47% MSP.
NAB also set the importation of all types and sizes of butternut at 40%, except for the exclusions, while 40% all types and sizes of potato washed can only be imported from 1-15 September.
The importation of all sizes of English cucumber, green pepper and jam tomato has been set at 50%, except for exclusions.
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