The government of Zambia has suspended the importation of onions and potatoes following an outcry from farmers.
Green Mbozi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the report and said the decision follows a meeting held with the Zambia National Farmers Union who raised concerns over the flooding of imported onions and potatoes on the market.
Jervis Zimba, the president of the farmers’ association questioned the reasoning behind the importation of the two commodities that can be produced locally and are currently in abundance.
Risks
Experts have raised concerns over the government’s decision to allow the importation of some commodities that could be grown locally and are demanding a clear policy decision. Emmanuel Mwamba, Zambia’s former Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union (AU) said the situation has been worsened by the lack of value addition in the country.
“Because we are seasonal farmers and not all-year-round farmers, in the season of plenty, we advocate for a ban on importation of onions, tomatoes and potatoes, and as soon as the season is over, a shortage and price hike kick in and again lift the importation ban,” he said on his Facebook page.
Mr Zimba is further appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene in this matter before farmers lose out adding that the local strides being made to grow agriculture products locally should be nurtured and not frustrated. The country also risks having over K23 million worth of onions going to waste if the matter remains unaddressed.
