2006-10-12Staff Report 2 "Windhoek After infighting between communal farmers in the Otjozondjupa Constituency, which eventually led to the cancellation of the inter-regional agricultural show, the Otjozondjupa Communal Farmers Union (OCFU) will now host its Communal Regional Agricultural Show this coming weekend at Okakarara. The chairperson of OCFU, Benestus Kandundu, at a media briefing Tuesday said the show would take place despite the uncertainty that was earlier created among farmers. He said the show would enable farmers to compete regionally, share concerns and showcase their best animals. ""The show will also encourage and promote good farming practices and lead to an improvement in the standard of farming in the Otjozondjupa Region, and eventually winners will be given prizes as a token of appreciation."" Kandundu revealed that the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Dr Nickey Iyambo, is expected to be the guest of honour. The Governor of the Otjozondjupa Region has also been invited. Kandundu said the two-day show in Okakarara aims to showcase the best animals from the various constituencies in Otjozondjupa rural, and to keep farmers alert to what is on offer in the farming sector. Commenting on the dispute that took place among communal farmers in the region, Kandundu said OCFU will do everything in its power to look after the interests of farmers as it is there for all farmers and not just for certain individuals. He further revealed that the consortium has agreed to sponsor the show. ""The budget that was given by the consortium is subject to auditing and will be administrated by the NNFU as a credible body and not by individuals. Therefore this budget is very transparent."" The chairperson appealed to all farmers to stand together and work towards improved farming methods for the future of the country. ""I would like to sensitize farmers to fight and stand against all threats facing organized farming in Otjozondjupa Region."" Kandundu invited all the affiliates of OCFU, regional farmers' unions in Namibia, the business community, town councils, schools, the Namibia Agricultural union and all traditional leaders in the region to attend the show." 2006-10-12Staff Report 2
