Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The ministry of agriculture has lifted the ban on the importation and in-transit movement of maize seeds for planting from South Africa.
The director of the ministry, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, announced that the temporary ban was initially imposed after the detection of Goss’s Wilt (Clavibacter michigansis subsp. Nebraskensis) in maize seeds from South Africa.
The ban was a precautionary measure, and Namibia updated its phytosanitary import requirements to reduce the risk of introducing the virus and other harmful plant pathogens.
Despite lifting the restriction, the ministry urged importers and stakeholders to remain vigilant and strictly follow the updated phytosanitary import requirements.
“These measures are essential to prevent the introduction and spread of Goss’s Wilt into Namibia. Importers are specifically reminded that the movement of any maize seed consignment suspected of contamination remains strictly prohibited,” said Nghituwamata.
She called on stakeholders and the public to comply with all phytosanitary measures and best practices to ensure the health and safety of Namibia’s crops and agricultural resources.
