Zebaldt Ngaruka

Following recent complaints from crop farmers in the Omaheke region over the delayed dispatch of government tractors to assist with ploughing, Omaheke chief regional officer Peka Semba has explained that his office is busy crafting a permanent and sustainable solution for the use of state tractors.

According to many farmers who spoke to Select Agri, the delay has negatively impacted their planting schedules and has left them facing a gloomy harvesting season. If is said that the failure to dispatch the tractors was caused by a shortage of fuel. 

Semba explained that the programme had been well underway until the unforeseen diesel shortage occurred. 

“This was not by design but an exception to the rule, and we are trying to rectify that. As for now, the purchase order has already been generated, which allows us to buy any service from a given service provider,” said Semba. He added that despite the hiccup, most farmers in the region have already been successfully assisted by the programme. The tractors programme is part of the government’s efforts in assisting crop farmers in communal areas to plant and harvest on time through subsidised fees.

To benefit from the programme, farmers must register at their respective agricultural extension offices, which most have done. One of the affected farmers is Sandi Tjaronda from Otjimati village in the Epukiro constituency, who said the situation has led to farmers failing to plough on time.

“Such situations reflect badly on the government’s commitment to support farmers and inhabitants of our area to be food secure. For the tractors to be grounded due to the lack of fuel is unfortunate, and it is reflecting bad planning and slothful execution on the part of the government,” Tjaronda said.

Job Horohua from Omitivine settlement in Aminuis constituency said the delay of the tractors is a major setback, as he was prepared to put the seeds in the soil due to the good rain he received. 

“I have waited and now returned to work, and I don’t know whether there will be time to go back and plough. We need to produce our own food to become self-sustainable, but the tractors’ delay, despite payment having been made, is worrisome,” said Horohua. 

Otumbonde village farmer Felix Kaunatjike said he registered on time last year but remains in the dark about when the tractors will be ready.

The publication understands that villages such as Okomumbonde, Ohakavena, Okatuuo, Otjiuetjombungu, Okate, Otjijarua, Ezorongondo, Okajombo, Ozombouvapa, Okanguindi, Okombomi, and Otjimati opted for private tractors, as State tractors are not forthcoming. 

-zngaruka@yahoo.com