Potatoes a top import crop for Namibia

Although efforts to promote the growing of potatoes in Namibia are intensifying, the production of this crop has not reached levels where imports can be reduced or stopped.

Potatoes are one of the crops on the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) special list that are open for importation without restrictions for the period 1-31 July except for the 47% market share promotion.

In fact, washed potatoes have been on the open import list for the some months now. According to a special controlled products notice dated 21 June, issued by NAB chief executive officer Fidelis Mwazi, other horticultural crops that are open for importation without restriction are gem squash, pumpkin, water melon, sweet melon and sweetcorn.

However, to protect local producers from cheap imports, NAB closed the border for the importation of 11 controlled products on the special list. According to Mwazi, this is in line with the Agronomic Industry Act and the Namibia horticulture market share promotion scheme rules and regulations to prevent a glut of imported products on the market.

Fidelis Mwazi:
 

"The border is closed for the importation of all types of cabbage, carrot, coloured and green pepper and onion, except for exclusions."

Also closed for importation are all type and sizes of spinach, jam, cocktail/cherry/mini plum as well as round tomatoes, except for the exclusions. Although the border is closed for the importation of butternut, this will only be effective from 16 to 31 July, while the border is also closed for the importation of potatoes, except for the 1-2kg and exclusions.

In addition, Mwazi allowed for the pro rata importation of three crops to supplement local production. Only 20% of all types and sizes of beetroot can be imported from 1 to 15 July, while only 20% of all types and sizes of English cucumber can be imported, except for exclusions.

Only 30% of all types of lettuce (iceberg) can be imported without restrictions except for the 47% market share promotion, said the notice.