The Ministry of Trade has restricted the imports and exports of agricultural commodities, attributing the call to protecting subsistence farmers from exploitation.

The statement also says that the call has been made to easily aggregate volumes exported and value earned from the commodities. The development follows after the government announced easing up restrictions on imports and exports last week.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson Mayeso Msokera, said traders are now allowed to export after the government issues letters of credence for the products to be allowed passage and entry into the destination country. However, the ministry will monitor and regulate the imports and exports, as the latest statement says that regulations providing a more detailed list of restricted and prohibited goods will be published within seven days.