Govt moves to tame maize killer

Dar es Salaam. The government has banned the importation of maize grains from Kenya as part of its efforts to contain the lethal Necrotic disease that has already devastated harvests in about five regions.

Only maize flour imports, not maize, would be allowed from Kenya, a spokesman for the ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, Richard Kasuga, said yesterday.

 “Yes, we are continuing  with efforts to combat the disease but since it is new, we need to make short term efforts while our experts are in the laboratories finding permanent solutions,” said Mr Kasuga.

For his part, the ministry’s director for Food Security, Dr Karim Mtambo, said other steps include burning of all plants which have been affected by the disease as a way of preventing the virus from spreading to other areas.

“The virus is normally spread by the wind, and can be carried across long distances, as a result the only solution is to burn the affected plants to destroy the viruses,” detailed Mr Mtambo.

He also noted that the ministry, in collaboration with counterparts from neighbouring countries, has invited experts who are now working in the laboratory trying to find lasting solution to the disease.

“We’re working with Kenyan experts because the disease came from their side, together we want to combat the disease,” noted Mr Mtambo.

Meanwhile, the National Food Reserve Agency expects to buy over 200,000 tonnes of grain during this harvesting season, Agency’s director general Charles Walwa said this was government’s plan to sustain food security situation in the country, particularly preparing for next year.

“We will purchase a total of 190,000 tonnes of maize while the remaining will be sorghum, all in order to serve the public in case a famine hits the country,” said Mr Walwa.