Mmegi

Outrage breaks in SA over Botswana veggie restriction

The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture announced a temporary restriction on 16 vegetable types PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture announced a temporary restriction on 16 vegetable types PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

South African farmer lobby groups have expressed familiar disparagement over the seasonal import restriction of 16 vegetable types that Botswana placed this week.

The commotion brews from what SA farmer associations deem as a reinstatement of the veggie ban without consultation with veggie exporters from other countries.

This week, the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture announced a temporary restriction of 16 vegetable types ranging from tomatoes, onions, green peppers and potatoes. The restriction, which is not like the 2021 ban, is a move to restore the equilibrium of local demand with supply from local farmers.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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