The Department of Agricultural Research Services has banned the importation of maize from Kenya and Tanzania pending risk analysis as the two countries in mention have a devastating disease called Maize Lethal Necrosis.

In a statement, agricultural research services director Grace Kaudzu said the disease, that has no treatment and causes up to 100 percent yield loss, is under official control.

She said:”In view of this, its presence in the aforementioned countries necessitated the suspension of any importation of whole grain until appropriate phytosanitary measures are established.

” In the interim, the commodity can only be imported milled, either as flour or grit.”