Gov't lifts maize, wheat import ban

The lifting of the import ban also followed an outcry from local millers who noted a “supply shock” as well as shortages, particularly in stock feed.

The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture suspended maize, wheat, sorghum, sugar cane and other grass imports on January 16, citing the outbreak of Goss's Bacterial Wilt Disease in several South African provinces. Bud Rot of Palm Disease was also noted in two South African provinces, prompting an import ban on palms, pawpaw, kiwi, coconut and related plants.