Govt spends N$3.5m in Otjozondjupa to boost food production

Government has invested more than N$3.55 million in dairy, poultry and horticulture development schemes in the Otjozondjupa region over the past two financial years as it seeks to increase local food production and reduce the country's reliance on imported agricultural products.

Speaking during a government information day last week, the agriculture ministry's agricultural extension and engineering services deputy director Clarence Tjiho said the schemes are designed to strengthen agricultural value chains by supporting production, value addition and market access.

"We are promoting the production itself of those commodities and empowering producers to be integrated vertically into these value chains until these commodities reach the tables of consumers," he said.

He said government spent approximately N$1.7 million on horticulture projects over the past two financial years, benefiting 74 producers. A further N$1.5 million was allocated to the dairy value chain during the previous financial year, assisting 31 farmers, while N$350 000 was spent on poultry development, supporting 39 producers.

"By empowering these people and involving them in the whole value chains, they will start contributing to the national food basket and perhaps reduce our reliance on imports of products that we can produce locally," Tjiho said.

Subsidised support

Under the dairy value chain, beneficiaries receive government subsidies covering up to 60% of dairy cattle, 50% of feed, veterinary medicine and transport costs, while processing equipment, milking parlours, machinery and related infrastructure are subsidised by up to 65%.

Tjiho said the objective is to establish a modern, self-sustaining dairy industry built around small and medium-scale producers, particularly in communal and resettlement areas.

He said the ministry has also facilitated the establishment of a dairy cooperative in the Okakarara area and is procuring processing equipment to help members collectively process milk and access larger markets.

The poultry scheme provides subsidised support for broiler and layer chickens, poultry feed, veterinary medicines, housing, layer cages, incubators and packaging materials, accompanied by technical training.

Despite the support, Tjiho said Namibia continues to depend heavily on imported layer chickens, making producers vulnerable to supply disruptions caused by disease outbreaks in neighbouring countries.

He said the ministry is encouraging farmers to establish local breeding enterprises to strengthen domestic supply and reduce reliance on imports.

"We don't all have to produce eggs. Some can specialise in breeding and supply chickens to other producers along the value chain," he said.

Market before production

On horticulture, Tjiho said the ministry has invested heavily in supporting backyard gardens and small-scale commercial production through subsidised inputs, irrigation technologies and climate-smart farming practices.

However, he cautioned that many farmers continue producing crops without first identifying reliable buyers.

"There is a lack of market research. Farmers should produce for the market, not produce first and then look for a market," he said.

He added that the ministry is working with the Namibian Agronomic Board to help producers identify market opportunities and align production with demand.

Existing farmers prioritised

The schemes primarily target existing producers in communal areas, resettlement farms and Affirmative Action Loan Scheme farms to improve the sustainability of existing agricultural enterprises rather than creating entirely new ones.

Prospective beneficiaries are required to approach their nearest agricultural office, where officials verify the viability of proposed projects before subsidy applications are processed.

Tjiho said subsidy payments are generally finalised within two weeks after applicants have paid their required contribution.

He urged farmers to make full use of the ministry's regional offices and technical staff, adding that the long-term goal is to help beneficiaries become financially sustainable before support is redirected to new entrants.

phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na