02 Feb 2017

The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security has lifted the ban on importation of potato, tomato, pepper and eggplant (including seedlings) with immediate effect.

The ministry had last month banned importation of such vegetables after they were attacked by Tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta).

The release states that prior to importation of seedlings, farmers are advised to have their farms inspected by agricultural agents. 

The ministry also advises farmers to adhere to the following control measures which include importing seedlings only from pest free areas, following proper phytosanitary protocols when importing seedlings and fresh produce.

Farmers are also encouraged to follow field sanitation through collection and destruction of infested fruits and plants, burry infested fruits and plants no less than one metre (1m) deep. They are also advised to practice crop rotation with non-host crops, cultivate the field to expose the pupae.

Further, farmers are advised to mass trap adult moths in and outside the farms using water baited lures and pheromone traps as well as use insecticides recommended by the ministry. BOPA