AMTA will suspend the importation of controlled crops (butternuts, cabbages and onions) during the duration as from April and August.
This was revealed in the agency’s production forecast report covering the period from 1 April to 31 August 2019 released on 20 March 2019. Total domestic demand for onions is 3 470 tonnes, while local farmers are expected to produce 5 440 tonnes. The demand for cabbage is 1 445 tonnes, and local farmers are expected to produce 1 771 tonnes. The total demand for butternuts is 805 tonnes, while local farmers are expected to supply 1 175 tonnes.
The suspension on the three above crops gives a huge advantage and significant opportunity for our local farmers to produce excess yield since the border is closed. This is indeed good for our local farmers because they would charge premium prices for the desired results and wouldn`t lower their prices compared to when the market was loaded with similar products from outside the border. It is of utmost importance that local farmers identify ways on how to add value to their products in terms of packaging and other means so that they may not undercharge themselves.
Most importantly, the suspension of the three above mention crops would ensure that the money circulation will be within the country and not outside the country.
All farmers undertaking farming in horticulture are advised to seize the opportunity and prove beyond reasonable doubt that they can supply the nation.