GOVT IMPLEMENTING MANDATORY SAMPLING AND TESTING ON ALL POTATOE IMPORTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

By Nonhlanhla Phuti

Government has disclosed that it has implemented mandatory sampling and testing on all potato imports from South Africa following the outbreak of the ring spot virus that has broken out in that country, as an immediate measure to contain the spread of the virus.

Ministry of Agriculture's Director of Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary, Dr. Kenneth Msiska in an interview with Phoenix News explains that the ministry has put in place several measures, including bilateral engagements, revising import requirements, on-the-ground inspections and sensitization efforts among others.

Dr. Msiska says the Ministry of Agriculture held a bilateral meeting with authorities in South Africa to fully appreciate the details on the virus, including the areas where it is present and what measures have been put in place.

He further disclosed that following the bilateral meeting, the ministry had to revise the import requirements, which were then shared with South Africa, who agreed to comply, adding that currently all importations from South Africa are being monitored.

PHOENIX NEWS