Imports must match stock: Boito

THE amount of bulb onions imported must be matched by local farmers’ production and supply, says Agriculture and Livestock Minister John Boito.
The volume of bulb onions imported, according to the National Statistics Office, stands at around 3,500 tonnes a year – equivalent to a monetary value of about K11 million.
The volume of local production is 2,000 tonnes per year – valued at K6 million.
The annual import bill for bulb onion is, according to the department of agriculture, about K8 million – money going out of the country every year.
“The Fresh Produce Development Agency has been promoting the development of the industry particularly in Gembogl in Chimbu, and is expanding to other parts of the country due to its increasing consumption and demand,” Boito said.
“While there have been efforts to increase local production and improve productivity along the value chain, a high volume of imports is coming into the country. This trend must change.”
“Imports must be reduced and replaced with local produce.
“Promote value-addition and processing of crops to match imported food products. Promote fresh food exports and develop more Small-to-medium enterprises to participate in the sector.”
Boito thanked British American Tobacco for providing 50 solar dryers costing around K1 million.