Botswana bans South African grain imports over Goss’s bacterial wilt outbreak

BOTSWANA – In response to recent outbreaks of Goss’s bacterial wilt in South Africa, Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture (MLA) has suspended imports of commodities such as maize, sorghum to protect the local industry from potential introduction and spread.

Velleminah S. Pelokgale, Head of the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of Botswana, emphasized the importance of taking immediate precautionary measures.

While these pests have not yet been detected in Botswana, we cannot afford to take any chances. We must act swiftly to prevent any potential introduction and spread of these plant diseases,” said Pelokgale.

Import permits for these materials have been revoked, and phytosanitary measures are now in place to prevent the introduction and spread of these pests.

Pelokgale further reassured the public and farming communities that Botswana has not yet detected these diseases within its borders but urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant.

We are taking every possible step to protect our agricultural industry from these potential threats, and it is essential that we all work together to safeguard our crops and our livelihoods,” she concluded.

However, John Steenhuisen, South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, have expressed concerns over Botswana’s decision, labeling it as overly cautious.

He noted that South Africa had fulfilled its obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention by notifying trading partners of the outbreaks, with Botswana being the only country to respond with such a measure.

Steenhuisen highlighted that Goss’s disease is not transmitted through the trade of grain intended for human and animal consumption.

The South African Department of Agriculture reported the detection of bud rot of palms in August 2024 in two papaya orchards in Limpopo’s Mopani district and three in Mpumalanga’s Ehlanzeni district.

In response, the department has been conducting surveys to determine the spread and has implemented phytosanitary measures to restrict the movement of host material from infested to non-infested areas.

Farmers are encouraged to use resistant varieties, apply chemical controls where appropriate, and monitor their orchards consistently to prevent further spread.

Regarding Goss’s bacterial wilt, the disease has been identified in maize across the Free State, North West, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape provinces.

The department is conducting research to understand the disease’s epidemiology and management, supporting local maize producers through ongoing surveys. Management strategies include planting highly-resistant maize hybrids, reducing the movement of infected stubble between fields, and rotating host crops with non-host crops.

Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA, indicated that Botswana’s import suspension is unlikely to have a significant impact on South Africa.

Over the past five years, South Africa exported an average of 44,000 tons per year of yellow maize to Botswana, accounting for only 2.4% of the country’s total yellow maize exports.

Similarly, approximately 228,000 tons per year of white maize were exported to Botswana, representing 20% of South Africa’s total white maize exports.

A substantial portion of this has already been exported for the 2024/25 season. However, Doyer expressed concern about Botswana’s ability to source maize to meet its deficit, noting that Zambia, another key regional exporter, had experienced a poor season.

Steenhuisen mentioned that the South African Department of Agriculture has provided technical information to its Botswanan counterparts but has not yet received a response.

An urgent technical bilateral meeting has been requested through diplomatic channels in hopes of resolving the issue, as there appears to be no phytosanitary justification for suspending grain trade.

In a recent development, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo announced that Botswana has lifted the ban on South African grain imports, indicating a return to normal trade relations.

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