Govt bans importation of Maize from Tanzania, Kenya

The Department of Agricultural Research Services has banned the importation of maize from Kenya and Tanzania pending risk analysis as the two countries in mention have a devastating disease called Maize Lethal Necrosis.

In a statement, agricultural research services director Grace Kaudzu said the disease, that has no treatment and causes up to 100 percent yield loss, is under official control.

She said:”In view of this, its presence in the aforementioned countries necessitated the suspension of any importation of whole grain until appropriate phytosanitary measures are established.

” In the interim, the commodity can only be imported milled, either as flour or grit.”