WINDHOEK – The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Joseph Iita has reminded crop farmers in communal areas to utilise the Dry Land Crop Production Programme for better output.
The Dry Land Crop Production Programme was introduced in 2012 with the main objective to improve crop production and productivity.
Communal farmers contribute significantly towards food security and can they make full use of the programme to enhance production.
“The purpose of the programme is to empower farmers in the Communal Crop Growing Areas to increase production and enhance household food security and thus reduce the vulnerability of households to poverty; and to increase productivity that will result in further economic activities as well as employment in communal areas,” Iita reiterated.
He says the aim of the programme is to ensure and accelerate the provision of farm inputs (improved seeds, fertilisers) to farmers in these areas; to ensure food security at household and national levels; to ensure these activities provide employment; to reduce Namibia’s dependence on staple imported food and to support income generation through the production of marketable surpluses as well as of cash crops with staple crops.
“Rural households in the regions of Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati, oshana, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Kunene North will benefit from the programme. For this to happen, the MAWF provides land preparation, planting services, provision of Afro-inputs and provision of weeding services will be provide while using both Government and private owned tractors and implements. Land preparation services include ploughing, disking and ripping and plant services include planting, fertiliser application. In order to improve soil fertility, the MAWF is providing fertilisers and seeds to farmers at affordable rates. The subsidy rates are determined annually and are based on the prevailing retail prices in Namibia.
The ministry is also provides training to contractual tractor drivers to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills on the operation and maintenance of tractors and implements.
Private tractor owners should register with the MAWF in order to render the required services.
Since weed infestation is causing low yields in all crop areas, weeding services are rendered through organised through the Youth Employment Scheme and Women Groups.
Farmers interested in these services will have to register at the MAWF’s Agricultural development Centres in various constituencies and or at their respective Local Councillors offices.
For more information Sophia Kasheeta, the Director of Extension and Engineering Services in the MAWF can be contacted at 061 208 7459.
By Deon Schlechter