I have written numerous articles almost every Tuesday since July 2022, summarising the most critical takeaways for farmers and all those within the agricultural value chain. As we now approach the festive season, which is a time of celebration, reflection and completing all farming projects, we must exchange notes and ideas on how to keep...
Tomatoes are among the most popular crops cultivated across the globe. Maximising their potential requires farmers to understand the basics of growing them successfully and profitably. As the seasons transition from winter to spring, this presents conducive weather conditions for growing tomatoes. The starting point is for a farmer to understand that tomatoes have varying...
With agriculture at the forefront of the Namibian economy and the welfare of its people, Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer for Business Banking Leon Koch said the bank has madeagriculture a priority sector in its strategy. “We have launched various products to support this vital industry, including the Sustainability Loan, which has disbursed N$407 million in...
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...
SHADIKONGORO – Impressed by the production capacity, technology and operational efficiency at the Shadikongoro irrigation project, President Nangolo Mbumba is convinced that Namibia has no reason to import basic foods at such a high rate. He made this observation during his recent visit to government’sShadikongoro irrigation project in the Mukwe constituency, Kavango East region. “We...
Government, through the agriculture ministry, will establish small-scale agricultural processing facilities in all 14 regions of the country, line minister Calle Schlettwein recently announced. This was shared during the launch of the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-Food Sector (STAS) and the signing of the Namibian Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Compact in...
To some, food self-sufficiency and food security may seem to be the same. However, these are two different phrases, with food self-sufficiency being an enabler of food security. Food self-sufficiency refers to the reliance on own production to meet or satisfy daily food consumption, rather than purchasing or importing from elsewhere. Moreover, food self-sufficiency is...
Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) president Adolf Muremi says farmers cannot achieve production efficiency due to production, distribution, access and climate change challenges. Speaking at the recent launch of the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agriculture Sector (STAS), he said the challenges include bush encroachment, which reduces grazing capacity and limits underground water. Further...
The 5th edition of the Bank Windhoek Agriculture Series will take place tomorrow, and will see key agriculture experts highlighting new growth areas, presenting a working formula for the export basket’s productivity, competitiveness, expansion and diversification. This year’s edition, which will be held under the theme “Cultivating change: Strategies for a Resilient Agricultural Future”, will...
– High electricity costs bemoaned – Market access needed – Calls for more govt funding For Namibia’s agricultural sector to reach its full potential, the country will have to address output barriers such as the high cost of electricity, lack of access to markets, and reliable, affordable water supply as well as general...