KATIMA MULILO – The Kalimbeza Rice Project has harvested 70 tonnes of the short-term rice variety that was planted in October last year. 

This follows years of no rice production at the only State-run green scheme project in the Zambezi region.

Kalimbeza project manager Patrick Kompeli told Nampa that although there is a total of 229 hectares for the project, only 150 hectares is irrigable, while 79 hectares is non-productive.

Out of the irrigable 150 hectares, only 37 hectares were planted last October due to defects on the farm, limited funding and a lack of proper machinery and functional farm equipment for rice cultivation.

The 70 tonnes of rice cannot immediately find its way to the market because one component of the colour-processing machine at the farm had broken down.
Kompeli said the 30 hectares planted last year yielded 70 tonnes of the Irga short-term rice variety, while seven hectares with the long-term Supa variety rice that takes six or more months to mature will be harvested in April or May.

“The government bought some of the essential equipment, provided fertiliser, diesel and salaries for casual workers. The government wants to produce more rice and reduce imports. 

However, only 60% of the rice produced at the scheme can reach the market, because the other 40% is by-products such as rice bran, husks and broken rice,” he said. 

Kompeli added that because the colour sorter is broken, rice is being stored in the production shed, where it can mature.

“If it is a secure environment where the temperature is controlled, rice can stay for 10 or more years,” he noted.

Kompeli clarified that the N$8 million the government made available last year is specifically for a consultancy that was recently appointed to carry out a feasibility study. This study will include, among others, topography, field levelling, drainage systems, access roads and the upgrading of the pump stations.
-Nampa