For the national director of Agriculture and Livestock of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Manuel Dias, this is a measure that only sins because it is too late. The new rule covers two different situations: on the one hand, products that already have a high potential for domestic production, but are still unable to supply the entire need for domestic consumption; and, on the other hand, products with the capacity to fully meet the current needs of domestic consumption.
In order to carry out this measure, approved by the Council of Ministers in August last year, the rule of attributing an import quota for products with very significant local production was adopted, to allow greater growth in agricultural activity, says a statement government to which VerAngola had access.
Products with partial import restrictions include maize, black potatoes, beans and onions. In the case of corn, importation will only be allowed in periods outside the harvest or when, evidently, it does not exist in the national market, and its importation may only be authorized for the industries, according to the respective needs.
For other products (potato, beans and onions), the import should happen only when the production does not cover the needs.
Products with total restriction are those whose installed capacity satisfies internal consumption, such as cassava, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, mangoes, coffee, honey, pineapples and other citrus fruits.
The national director of Agriculture and Livestock considers the restrictive measures to be positive, as it protects national producers and allows the creation of more spaces for the commercialization of products.
The positive impact of this measure, adds Manuel Dias, is visible with the gradual reduction in imports and the satisfaction of national producers.
