editor
Tanzania and Malawi have decided to lift the import ban imposed on maize last month following food safety concerns. However, the two countries have agreed to share report information describing the status of maize from the country of origin.
The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides (TPHPA) director general, Prof Joseph Ndunguru, told The Citizen the decision was reached on Thursday during a virtual meeting involving plant health and pesticide control officials from both sides.
Last month, TPHPA issued a temporary ban on the importation of maize seeds from Malawi on the grounds of the ongoing Pest Risk Analysis, which includes an assessment of the risks associated with the introduction of genetically modified maize seeds.
In retaliation, Malawian announced a ban on unmilled maize from Tanzania and Kenya, citing concerns about the spread of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND).
However, Prof Ndunguru said after a virtual meeting that the exchange of information would enable both sides to make informed decisions.
This comes at a critical time when Malawi faces a severe shortage of food following Cyclone Freddy’s crop destruction in the country.
