WINDHOEK – Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has made N$5 million available for the production and distribution of pearl millet seed to drought-affected communities.
During June this year, the ministry announced the details of the government’s livestock marketing incentive scheme for the 2013 drought emergency but the announcement did not include provision of seed.
The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry John Mutorwa said the ministry would now provide free seed to drought-affected agronomic farmers.
The free seed will be provided only for a maximum of three hectares per farming household. The agriculture ministry produced 80 tonnes of mahangu seed at various research stations and irrigation projects.
Some 20 tonnes of hybrid maize seed, the minister said, are also available from a local maize seed producer, giving a total of 100 tonnes of seed for drought relief countrywide.
“The ministry plans to produce another 100 tonnes of pearl millet seed under irrigation at its green scheme projects and research stations. In view of the short period available to grow additional seed, maize seed cannot be produced under this initiative,” noted Mutorwa.
Nonetheless, he said there is need to import additional seed for pearl millet, maize, sorghum and legume production to make up the shortfall.
Within the first two weeks of August, the ministry will avail 10 tonnes of hybrid maize seed to the flood-affected farming households in the Caprivi Region.
“Stakeholder collaboration, coordination and maximum cooperation are absolutely essential to ensure success. Therefore, beneficiaries will have to be registered in close consultation with regional councillors, through their various constituency offices to ensure smooth and timely provision of the said seeds,” he said
By Albertina Nakale