The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform (MAWLR) has announced the immediate lifting of the temporary ban on the importation and in-transit movement of maize seeds from South Africa.
According to Ndiyakupi Nghikembua, Executive Director in the Ministry, the ban was initially imposed as a precautionary measure following the detection of Goss’s Wilt (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis) in maize seed imports from South Africa.
After a comprehensive review, she said, the ministry has now updated its phytosanitary import requirements to reduce the risk of introducing this and other harmful plant diseases.
“This temporary ban was initially imposed as a precautionary measure following the detection of Goss’s Wilt in maize seed from the Republic of South Africa,” Nghikembua said.
She added that while imports may now resume, importers and relevant stakeholders are urged to exercise heightened vigilance.
Nghikembua said all maize seed imports must strictly comply with the updated phytosanitary guidelines, while any consignment suspected of contamination remains prohibited from entering the country.
The Ministry stressed the importance of adhering to all phytosanitary measures and best agricultural practices to safeguard Namibia’s crop health and long-term agricultural sustainability.
“The Ministry appeals to all stakeholders and members of the public to comply with all phytosanitary measures and best practices to ensure the continued health and safety of Namibia’s crops and agricultural resources,” Nghikembua said.
