Tanzania imposes bans on soybeans, maize seeds from Malawi

Dodoma — In a decisive move to protect its agricultural sector, the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA) has imposed import bans on soybeans and maize seeds from Malawi. The bans come in the wake of comprehensive Pest Risk Analyses conducted by the TPHPA, revealing potential threats to Tanzania's crops. TPHPA Director General Professor Joseph Ndunguru said in a statement on December 18 and 19 that TPHPA's Pest Risk Analysis identified the presence of the Tobacco Ringspot Virus (TRSV) in Malawi that poses significant risk to soybean production in Tanzania. TRSV is a highly contagious plant disease known to cause substantial damage to soybean crops, resulting in yield reductions and economic losses of up to 100 per cent for farmers. In response to the threat, the TPHPA has implemented an immediate import ban on soybeans and their products from Malawi until further notice. Prof Nduguru said the ban extends to transit shipments and aims to safeguard the rapidly ...