Julia Kamarenga
The Omaheke region with its vast agricultural potential can significantly contribute to food security, economic growth and rural development. However, to unleash its full potential, the region needs to embrace sustainable farming methods which go hand-in-hand with conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.
This was pronounced by Ignatius Kariseb, the regional councillor for the Kalahari constituency at the opening of the seventh Omaheke Crop Farmers’ Day held at Blouberg under the theme ‘Unlocking Crop Production Through Sustainable Farming’.
Known for livestock farming, this region has in recent years been working towards diverting to crop farming in order to substitute means of agricultural productivity.
Efforts to introduce farmers to crop farming bore positive results, with some farmers harvesting good yields from backyard gardens.
“We must invest in the education and empowerment of the next generation of farmers by equipping the young people with much-needed skills, knowledge and technologies to ensure that the sector continues thriving beyond our time,” said Kariseb.
He noted that there is need not only to break down the silos which hinder progress and create fertile grounds for cooperation where everyone’s expertise is valued and mutually beneficial partnerships are forged, as well as to inspire and mentor young people, encouraging them to consider farming as a noble profession which is both financially rewarding and environmentally friendly. The annual event serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, advancing technologies, and fostering partnerships that will ultimately unlock the full potential of crop production in the Omaheke region.
It is thus essential in this era that farmers, policymakers, researchers and all stakeholders use platforms such as this to collaborate efforts and exchange knowledge on effective systems that will boost farming in the region and the nation at large.
The negative impacts of climate change, such as water scarcity and soils experiencing dreadful conditions that threaten productivity, are a wake-up call for farmers to adopt sustainable farming techniques, like precision agriculture, organic farming, conservation agriculture and agroforestry.
Sustainable farming encompasses a holistic approach that considers the integration of diverse cropping systems, efficient water management, proper soil stewardship and the promotion of diversity to enhance crop resilience to changing climates, reduce the use of harmful agrochemicals, and promote long-term productivity.
Meanwhile, chief agricultural scientific officer Jorry Kaurivi expressed concern about public institutions importing goods such as powdered milk, dried fruits and others while farmers are producing. He thus advocated for political will in the region to seek favourable interventions in terms of the local market.
Kaurivi said with the current production capacity in the region, cases of deaths due to malnutrition should not be heard of. However, it happens because there is a lack of coordination between stakeholders.
Fabiola Katjiteo, a participant from Okomungondo in the Epukiro constituency, was happy for the opportunity granted, observing that it is a great platform to share with skilled, knowledgeable farmers and resourceful officials.
The crop farmers’ day rotates between constituencies yearly. Next year, it is anticipated to be held earlier while farmers have enough produce.
(Farming)
Caption: Growing crops… Stakeholders during the Omaheke Crop Farmers’ Day held recently at Blouberg under the theme ‘Unlocking Crop Production Through Sustainable Farming’.
Photo: MICT