• Stakeholders in Onion and Potato Value chain resolve that the country does not need to import Onions and Potatoes as it has adequate stocks.
• This follows a meeting which was attended by traders, processors and Producers on 25th April, 2022.
• Importers of Potato Crisps shall be referred to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry for further advice.
Stakeholders in Onion and Potato Value chain have resolved that the country does not need to import Onions and Potatoes as it has adequate stocks.
Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) President Jervis Zimba told Money FM News that this follows a meeting which was attended by traders, processors and Producers on 25th April, 2022.
Mr. Zimba said stakeholders agreed that there is no need for imports of Potatoes in the country as the country has adequate stock from the carry overs and fresh stoke.
“During a protracted meeting by onion and potatoes stakeholders, including traders, processors and producers organized by the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), the stakeholders resolved that there shall be no imports of onions or frozen onion related products as the country has enough stocks,” he said.
He stated that importers of Potato Crisps shall be referred to the Ministry of Commerce ,Trade and Industry for further advise as stakeholders are only in support of measures that will lead to increased production of potatoes locally and value addition .
Recently, Shoprite Country Manager Charles Bota disclosed that all their stores have run out of onion countrywide, stating that local farmers only manage to meet demand in terms of quality and volume during the onion season.
This came after government banned the importation of onions and potatoes into the country until further notice.