WINDHOEK – N$55.615 million has been spent on the Drought Livestock Marketing Incentives for both large and small stock and the process of farmers’ claims for the subsidy is continuing.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) reflected on its major achievements in the previous financial year when its 2013/14 Annual report was tabled in Parliament last week. A total amount of N$895 475 was paid out to farmers for the leasing of grazing in commercial areas. In addition, N$328.140 was paid out to farmers to transport their livestock to areas were grazing was available.
In his executive summary of the report, Permanent Secretary of the MAWF, Joseph Iita, says during the reporting period the government availed 210 tonnes and 150 tonnes of free maize and pearl millet (mahangu) seeds respectively for distribution to farmers in the crop-growing regions of Northern Communal Areas(NCAs). In addition, 69 tonnes of mahangu seed were also made available for distribution through government subsidy. Meanwhile, as a contribution to the Dry Land Crop Production Programme for the drought stricken communal areas,66 tonnes of maize and 53 tonnes of cowpea seed were produced to be distributed free to farmers.
Affirmative Action land scheme farmers, resettlement farmers and other crop farmers benefited through the Government’s Dry Land Seed Voucher Scheme valued at N$2 million and which is administered by the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB). During the review period, the MAWF continued to develop, manage and expand the Green Scheme Irrigation Projects to realise food production at national level. To this end, the MAWF assisted with the management and operations of the Green Schemes Projects at Sikondo, Shadikongoro, Uvungu-Vungu, Ndonga Linena, Musese, Mashare, Etunda, Hardap, Tandjieskopje, Kalimbeza and the Orange River Irrigation Project.
The MAWF also facilitated the planning design of silos at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto region and supervised the construction of the silo for rice at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region. The Fresh Produce Hubs in Ongwediwa and Rundu were also completed in the financial year under review.
In addition to that, two local abattoirs at Eenhana and Outapi that are located in the Foot and Mouth Disease Zone were completed. In 2014, the construction of cold storage facilities and meat processing plants at Ongwediva and Rundu was started and in the FMD Zone, plans are underway for the construction of meat processing/cooking facility at Bukalo. More than 300 boreholes were drilled in the financial year under review due to the drought in 2013.