Maria David
COMMUNAL farmers along the Namibia-Angola border can now bring their mahangu grains and beans into the country without hindrance, as the ministry has given the green light.
After months of complaints from the public about being prevented from bringing their harvested mahangu grains and beans from Angola into Namibia, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has announced new regulations.
According to the ministry, small-scale importers are permitted to bring in between 250kg (5 bags of 50kg) to 500kg (10 bags of 50kg) of agronomic products (grain) per person per month for commercial use, and a maximum of 200kg (4 bags of 50kg) per person per month for personal use.
Furthermore, Mahangu grains and beans purchased from Angola within a 60 km radius, in the specified quantities mainly for personal consumption, are exempt from phytosanitary requirements.
In a public notice issued by Executive Director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata on Monday, it was stated that the Ministry recognizes the need to allow people to import these products without burdening them with requirements they may not afford.
Nghituwamata pointed out that the Ministry is raising awareness about importing Mahangu grains, particularly through entry points between Namibia and Angola.
“With an anticipated drought in Namibia that may affect crop yield, the Ministry foresees increased sourcing/purchasing of Mahangu grains and beans from neighbouring countries such as Angola,” she said.
She further mentioned that the import, export, and transit rules and procedures for controlled agronomic products allow small-scale importation of controlled agronomic products (i.e., grains) into Namibia for commercial and personal use during open border periods, not during closed border periods.
However, this arrangement only applies at entry points on the Namibian side and may not be applicable to the Angolan Competent Authority.
Therefore, individuals needing import permits are advised that the issuance of these permits will be facilitated at MAWLR’s Directorate of Agriculture Production, Extension, and Engineering Services offices in Omafo, Ongwediva, and Outapi.
