The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB), in collaboration with the University of Namibia (UNAM), recently hosted a Farmers’ Field Day Visit at the Ogongo Campus trial site for the evaluation of Mahangu (pearl millet) varieties.

The initiative began in 2020 after farmers raised concerns about seed quality, availability and low yields. 

Starting with 24 varieties sourced from international seed organisations, the project aimed to identify varieties best suited to Namibia’s soil and climatic conditions across different production zones. 

Following extensive screening, five promising varieties are now being evaluated for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability against three local varieties.

Speaking at the event, research and development manager Gerson Kampungu highlighted the project’s three-phase approach, aimed at developing and registering resilient Namibian Mahangu varieties to ultimately improve seed availability, production and food security for local farmers.

“We sourced 24 varieties from different international seed organisations to determine which varieties are adaptable to the Namibian soil and climatic conditions across the different production zones where pearl millet is produced,” said Kampungu.

NAB also expressed appreciation to Unam for its continued partnership and contribution throughout the project journey.

“We would like to thank our university partners, the University of Namibia. They have been on board since the first phase and we are truly grateful,” he added.