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
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up