In a proactive measure to curb the spread of the destructive Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease, authorities at Nkhata Bay Jetty have stopped the importation of 40 tonnes of maize from Tanzania into Malawi.
Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) is a disease without a known treatment, transmitted through infected maize grains, causing potential 100% yield loss, as per a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Research Services last year.
Authorities at Nkhata Bay Jetty report an increase in MLN cases in countries like Tanzania and Kenya, prompting the Malawian government to issue a directive to halt maize grain imports.
The maize, imported by a Tanzanian trader via boat, is being withheld to prevent potential planting and the subsequent spread of the disease in Malawi.
Senior Deputy Director of Agriculture and Research Services in the Northern Region, Tonny Harris Maulana, emphasized the cautious approach taken to shield the country from the maize disease.
While laboratory tests haven’t been conducted, Maulana highlighted Tanzania’s announcement of the disease’s presence, justifying the preventive measure.
To ensure the maize does not pose a threat, authorities have instructed the milling of the consignment into flour or grit at the Nkhata Bay warehouse, eliminating the possibility of planting in Malawi.
Josophat Chingula, the owner of the maize from Mbeya, Tanzania, expressed unawareness of the ban on importing maize grains from his country. Maulana advised traders to adhere to the Ministry of Agriculture’s directive to avoid such inconveniences.
