Health checks bolster Mozambique’s agricultural exports to South Africa
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Agência de Informação de Moçambique
Illustrative image · Mark Stebnicki · Pexels · Licence PexelsFarms visited in Goba, in Mozambique’s Namaacha district, are strengthening phytosanitary measures and expanding their export capacity, mainly to South Africa. These precautions, including disinfecting entrances and vehicles, are intended to preserve access to foreign markets, national director of Health and Biosafety Antónia Vaz said, according to the Mozambique Information Agency.
Stronger phytosanitary controls on farms are helping Mozambique maintain foreign markets and increase its export capacity, mainly to South Africa, said Antónia Vaz, national director of Health and Biosafety. She was speaking during a visit on 30 October to farms in Goba, in Namaacha district, according to the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM).
The companies visited are expanding production areas and applying biosecurity measures, including foot and tyre disinfection systems at farm entrances. These measures are intended in particular to prevent Panama disease, which affects banana plantations, Antónia Vaz explained. She said access to markets depended on meeting the health requirements imposed by importing countries.
Some banana companies no longer import planting material and now use suckers from their own plants to expand their crops, according to Antónia Vaz. For new plots requiring specific material, they can request an import accompanied by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries.
The visit comes as Mozambique recently reduced the reserve requirements for financing local production, on 29 October. The country also strengthened security cooperation with Zambia on 30 October, according to headlines published by the Mozambique News Agency.
