Import ban triggers vegetable price hikes, shortages

There has been a shortage of potatoes and tomatoes since the import ban last year
There has been a shortage of potatoes and tomatoes since the import ban last year

The government’s decision to ban a number of imported solanaceous crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and beetroot has triggered price increases and a shortage of the commodities.

Effected last December through the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, the ban prohibits the importation of tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, bell peppers, melon pear and beetroot.

This came after a highly destructive insect pest known as tomato leaf miner or tuta absoluta was detected in the Bobirwa, Boteti, Chobe, North East, and North West areas.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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