Zebaldt Ngaruka 

The Otjozondjupa Communal Farmers Union (OCFU) will today host its much-anticipated farmers’ information day on potato production at Ombujovakuru village in the Okakarara constituency. 

The potato production day emanated from the call by the Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB) on local producers to grow more potatoes to reduce the country’s annual import bill of over N$140 million. 

Jackson Hindjou, OCFU’s secretary, told AgriToday that the purpose of the information-sharing day is to educate the farmers on the importance of potato production, and demonstrate various planting methods for potatoes.

“This is very important, and can help farmers to produce better yield, and gain from their production,” he noted. 

The day is organised in collaboration with the National Association of Horticulture Producers, which will provide technical insight into the potato industry in Namibia, and their efforts of mainstreaming communal farmers.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation, the world potato production is estimated at nearly 361 million metric tonnes harvested from nearly 17 million hectares, valued at over US$93 billion. 

Africa is only contributing 7% to this production. 

Therefore, there is a need for local farmers to redouble their efforts, and expand their operations to make sure that at least 50% of local producers are involved in potato production.

“This will ensure that our country’s food insecurity levels are drastically reduced by 2030. The potato production information sharing day is open to all interested farmers within the periphery of Otjozondjupa region and other parts of the country,” he added.

He also encouraged women and youth to participate, and replicate the skills obtained in their respective households. 

About 70% of Namibia’s population lives in rural areas, and derives their livelihood largely from agriculture.  

The country’s agriculture is largely dependent on seasonal rainfall, but the amount of rainfall has not been adequate to sustain crop production, leading to serious food insecurity. 

-zngaruka@yahoo.com