The challenges of feeding the nation
Friday, June 06, 2014
The Government has implemented a 70/30 system where local procurement is meant to be encouraged and imports controlled. There is evidence in the market that imported products on our shelves are at an alarming level. Furthermore, with resource restrictions in policing this control measure there is certainly room for contravention.
We also face a similar challenge with chop and bran which are bi-products of the maize and wheat milling process.
The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...