Zambia National Farmers Union welcomes ban on importation of vegetables and fruits
Zambia’s National Farmers Union (ZNFU) welcomed government ban on importation of some farm produce into Zambia with an aim to promote growth of the agriculture sector.
According to ZNFU, the ban will contribute to the realisation of the country’s president diversification agenda.
ZNFU president Jervis Zimba said that the ban would empower local farmers because they are capable of meeting local demand, Lusaka Times reports.
“We are thankful and grateful to Government for listening to the cry of farmers to ban the importation of some fruits and vegetables. It is a bold decision and resonates very well with President Lungu, who is on record as saying agriculture should be a priority,” Mr Zimba said.
Dismissing claims by some chain stores that local suppliers are inconsistent, Zimba said that he would support farmers to ensure they produce enough supply.
The fruits and vegetables banned include tomatoes, onions, carrots, mangoes, potatoes, pineapples, lemons and watermelons.
This is after numerous concerns by local farmers that the imported produce had a negative impact on their business.
