ETUNDA – The Etunda irrigation project in Omusati Region successfully supplied produce to hundreds of weddings that usually take place during the festive season in the northern region.
Since the months of September up to December are well known as the wedding season in the north, the demand for fresh produce especially potatoes, cabbage and carrots is high to the extent that in the past some retail shops would double their prices.
However, with the introduction of fresh produce hubs by government and the acquisition of land by small-scale farmers at Etunda there was a sufficient supply of produce at affordable prices.
Apart from the fact that the availability of fresh produce hubs in Ongwediva and Rundu have helped with the durability of fresh produce and make them more accessible, small and upcoming farmers have become wiser over the years as they plant their vegetables a few weeks apart so that they are not all ready to be harvested at once. By so doing the farmers are able to supply their customers throughout this busy season.
Twiihendeni Israel who is managing a piece of land in Etunda said unlike other months of the year business during the festive season went well. Israel said apart from a number of people that visit Etunda on a daily basis, he and his colleagues transport some of the fresh produce to Oshakati where they are sold in retail shops as well as open markets.
“The [other day] we took 200 bags of butternuts, and 50 bags of potatoes to Oshakati and they all got finished in no time. Unlike in retail shops, our products are cheaper that is why they do not last in the market,” said Israel.
In addition these small farmers are cashing in thousands of dollars from street vendors and local supermarkets and they are also sending their produce to the fresh produce hubs for storage and sale.
Apart from the common types of vegetables, Israel and his team have planted cucumber for the first time at Etunda.
The busy season has also created local employment and food security for nearby villagers.
“Most of the labourers that you see working here are from nearby villages. We are only three that are full time employees at this plot, the rest of the people are casual labourers that help with harvesting, sorting and packaging. Sometimes we pay them money but some ask to be paid products that they go and sell and consume some with their families,” he said.
Among such labourers is 87-year old Sackaria Sheuyange Shitende a retired security guard. Shitende who looks relatively young for his age said he’s worked at Etunda over the past 18 years as a casual worker and the work has helped him pay school fees for his children and also helped the rest of his family through the drought season.
Since it is still school holidays some of the parents like Selma Lukas take their children along to help with harvesting butternuts, onions, maize, green peppers, squashes, potatoes, watermelons, cabbage and carrots among others in order to generate extra income for their families.
“Sometimes we come here and work for money but sometimes we get paid vegetables. When I get paid vegetables I go and sell some and we consume the rest,” said Lukas.
Lukas said she only takes her 15-year-old daughter along during school holidays but once the schools start her child will go back to school.
By Helvy Shaanika