Query: I would like to find out if the Ministry of Agriculture managed to put up 12 000 households with subsidised inputs for rain-fed crop production by the 31st of March 2016. This is in line with the performance agreement of the ministry.
Response: The Dry Land Crop Production Programme was implemented in the following regions: Kavango East and Kavango West, Zambezi, Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati, Kunene North and partly in Otjozondjupa and Omaheke, to increase food production. Through this programme farmers were assisted with subsidised farm inputs (fertilisers and improved seeds) and agricultural services (including ploughing and weeding services).
A number of 20 729 households benefited from the subsidised inputs, which include seeds and fertilisers. A further 25 000 households benefited from free seed inputs. By March 31, 2016 a total 45 729 households benefited from subsidised seeds, fertilisers and free seeds.
* Margaret Kalo, senior public relations officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, E-mail: kalom@mawf.gov.na