ETUNDA – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has welcomed plans to expand production at the Etunda Irrigation Scheme.
She said increased output will strengthen food security and create more employment opportunities.
The President returned to the Etunda Green Scheme in the Omusati region on Friday as part of her continued focus on agriculture and food security.
The visit was aimed at assessing developments since her previous visit and engaging stakeholders on the scheme’s future growth and sustainability.
She toured the banana and grape plantations, where she received briefings on production levels, operational challenges and future expansion plans. She was informed that the banana plantation is currently being cultivated on a trial basis, with 2 200 trees planted in January 2025.
“Agriculture remains a national priority, as the Etunda team remains focused on achieving a successful harvest and contributing to Namibia’s food security objectives,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The Head of State reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the Green Scheme.
She encouraged management and staff to make optimal use of available resources while efforts to further strengthen operations continue.
The banana project forms part of broader efforts to increase local food production and reduce reliance on imports.
Earlier this year, the Namibian Agronomic Board launched its first harvest demonstration and information day for the Etunda banana trial research project, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to establish local banana production.
According to the board, Namibia currently imports about 7 000 metric tonnes of bananas annually.
The trial project was initiated to assess whether the Omusati region’s frost-free conditions are suitable for large-scale banana production and to determine the crop’s commercial viability under local conditions.
The President also inspected the Etunda Feedlot, where she reviewed progress on ongoing construction.
Once completed, the facility is expected to strengthen value addition within the livestock sector.
Officials explained that livestock undergo rigorous health screenings before entering the feeding pens to ensure compliance with animal health standards.
Meanwhile, grape farm manager Sybrand Potgieter highlighted the green scheme’s contribution to food security and employment creation, particularly for young Namibians.
He raised concerns over fruit fly infestations, which continue to affect export potential.
“Etunda has 15 hectares of grapes, which is enough for the Namibian market without importing from other countries. We just need pest control specialists to assist in controlling insects like fruits flies on the grapes, so we need to work together with the government to get insect control workers from private companies,” Potgieter said
He added that the plantation could produce more employment opportunities for the youth.