RUNDU – The management of Sikondo Green Scheme has expressed gratitude for the way in which the agriculture ministry has invested in the green schemes over the past two years.

Maxwell Nghidinua, the green scheme manager, made the statement following the visit by President Nangolo Mbumba and minister of agriculture Calle Schlettwein to the green scheme. 

The Sikondo Green Scheme is in the Kavango West region. 

“The ministry has in the past two years really invested in the green schemes, in order for us to maximise production, but also for the green schemes to reach their full potential,” he said.

He said the ministry invested about N$7 million in the Sikondo Green Scheme, in the form of new tractors and implements. Nghidinua noted that because of the support from the ministry, the green scheme planted wheat on time this year for the first time. He addressed previous concerns surrounding green scheme initiatives, emphasising the schemes’ potential for growth.

“The infrastructure is there. There are challenges, but some of these challenges are already being resolved,” he stated.

One of the challenges is electricity consumption, which Nghidinua said is being addressed, with Sikondo now relying on solar energy to try and reduce their electricity bill.

With regards to the electricity challenges, Schlettwein said he proposed some time back to Cabinet that an arrangement be made for the green schemes outside the regional
electricity distributors (REDs) to procure electricity directly from NamPower. 

He further said the ministry is also working, with the Veterinary Services department to fence off the green schemes with a proper cordon fence, and incorporate livestock to prepare the animals for processing.

After Sikondo, Mbumba visited the Vhungu Vhungu Green Scheme, the Blue Berry Farm at Mashare, as well as the Mashare Green Scheme. The President also visited the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme, as well as the Shadikongoro Green Scheme. -Nampa