Zambia suspends importation of onion and potatoes

Following a protest from the Zambia National Farmers Union about the flooding of the local market with commodities that can be produced locally, the government has agreed to suspend the importation of onion and potatoes into the nation until further notice.

President Jervis Zimba of the Zambia Farmer’s Union (ZNUF) has warned that over K23 million worth of onions could go to waste if the government does not address the continuous importation of these commodities.

However, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Green Mbozi, stated that his ministry had met with ZNFU and decided to suspend certain commodities until further notice.

Mr. Mbozi stated that the government’s goal is to preserve the interests of local farmers in the country.

Yesterday, the ZNFU expressed worry that over K23 million worth of onions will go to waste and that the ministry of agriculture continues to authorize the importation of onions and potatoes into the nation despite the fact that the country has ample supplies.

Despite the Union engaging the ministry on the issue of importation of goods that can be cultivated within the country, such as onions and potatoes, ZNFU President Jervis Zimba claimed that no favorable answer has been made on this matter, as onion importation has continued uninterrupted.

Mr Zimba claims that if the problem is not handled, the government risks losing about K23 million worth of onions.

He had subsequently urged that Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo-Phiri explain unequivocally whether he wants the country to be a net importer of items that can be produced locally.

Mr Zimba also urged President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene in the matter before farmers lose out, saying that local efforts to grow agricultural products should be encouraged rather than discouraged.