The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has closed the border for the importation of 11 crops from the list of 20 controlled products for the period from 1 to 31 May. This shows that domestic growers have produced enough of these products to satisfy national demand.
According to a notice signed by NAB chief executive officer Fidelis Mwazi, the border is closed for the importation of all types and sizes of fresh, chilled, whole or cut butternut, cabbage, English cucumber, colored and green pepper, as well as gem squash, except for exclusions.
Other crops on the list closed for imports are pumpkin, sweet potato, jam tomato, cocktail/cherry/mini plum tomato and round tomato.
According to Mwazi, the closure of the border is in line with the Agronomic Industry Act and the Namibian horticulture market share promotion scheme rules and regulations to protect local farmers from competition from cheap imports that might hinder the growth of the local industry.
Because of the import restrictions, local farmers are not only able to sell most of their produce, but they are also able to get better prices for their goods.
Source: namibian.com.na
