GOBABIS – Swapo party vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Omaheke farmers to diversify their operations by combining livestock and crop or horticulture production during a party star rally at Gobabis on Sunday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Omaheke has the potential to become a production and industrial centre, but agricultural activities should not end at primary production within the value chain. Instead, farmers should focus on establishing value-added industries.
“The Omaheke region has been regarded as not being suitable for crop production, but this notion is proven to be wrong,” she stated, noting that she knows of farmers in the region who are successfully growing vegetables.
Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged farmers to keep going even when the going gets tough, as agriculture is a priority for the ruling party and they are committed to developing the sector.
“When it comes to nation building and improving the lives of the people, there are key sectors that are critical for economic development. Different regions in Namibia have different unique strengths to contribute to nation building,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that to develop the country, it is important to identify the economic strengths of each region and pay special attention to them accordingly. This does not promote regionalism but rather assists the government in centralising economic growth and reducing informal sectors in both established and emerging towns.
“Agriculture is a mainstay that we cannot do without. Agriculture creates needed employment and ensures food security. I wish that we will change the narrative and build a culture where agriculture must become our ability to be self-reliant at the household level,” she stated.
Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded by saying that the core agenda of the party must be driven by the conversation around how to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
The star rally was held in line with a decision by Swapo’s politburo to launch a mobilisation drive with the aim of strengthening direct contact with the masses and addressing issues of national concern.
– Nampa