ETUNDA – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded her tour of government green schemes in the northern region, at Etunda on Monday, after earlier stops in Kavango and Zambezi.
At Etunda, she visited the 15-hectare grapevine project, which employs about 300 people, and engaged with local farmers on challenges affecting their production.
Reassuring the farmers, she said government is committed to addressing obstacles in the agricultural sector to ensure food security.
“Government remains ready to work with every Namibian for the benefit of all,” Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised.
Meanwhile, scheme manager Sacky Shilyomunhu explained that Etunda consists of both small-scale and medium-scale farming units. The scheme has 31 plots ready for leasing as part of government’s effort to expand and optimise agricultural output.
“The small-scale unit has 97 plots of two hectares each, totalling 291 hectares, with 67 farmers currently active,” he explained.
He added that 16 farmers operate two plots each, and for the past three seasons, the ministry of agriculture has subsidised them.
He said the medium-scale farming unit, which consists of 12 plots of 12 hectares each, is managed by private business operators, mostly companies.
“Three are currently active, while nine remain to be advertised,” he said.
Shilyomunhu, however, cautioned that the scheme is grappling with challenges, including vandalism of infrastructure by community members.
He said they face challenges of unauthorised forced entries and utilisation of project infrastructure, posing risks such as damage to fences and water infrastructure.
He further revealed that Etunda is burdened by high utility costs of about N$700 000 per month, making its produce uncompetitive.
“High input cost results in our product being uncompetitive in the market,” he noted, adding that inadequate machinery delays planting and harvesting cycles, affecting productivity.
Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo described the President’s visit as a powerful affirmation of her commitment to agricultural transformation, food security and inclusive economic growth.
He further announced the completion of the tomato processing plant at Etunda.
“This facility will add value to our produce, create employment, reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate agro-industrial development,” Shikongo said.