Etunda: The Etunda Irrigation Scheme is gearing up for a significant millet production cycle, promising to bolster local food security and contribute to the Omusati Region's economic vitality.
According to Namibia Press Agency, with 450 hectares of land designated for cultivation, the scheme is targeting a substantial harvest of approximately 4,000 tonnes of grain-a substantial increase from last year's yield of 1,500 tonnes.
Etunda Irrigation Scheme Acting Farm Manager Sackey Shilyomunhu stated that 230 out of a total 450 hectares have already been planted, with the remaining 220 hectares scheduled for planting before the end of March. The first harvest is expected next month, he noted.
"Plantation has started off positively and our expected yield from about nine hectares will give us some 4,000 tonnes of grains from the commercial side," Shilyomunhu said. He highlighted improvements compared to previous harvests, especially since last year, when they had only planted on 180 hectares due to issues related to vandalism, fall army worm infestations, and damaged pivots.
The scheme has overcome these challenges thanks to increased support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR). Funds from the ministry allocated for repairs and new machinery have enabled the scheme to expand its cultivation area. Shilyomunhu mentioned that last year's harvest was only 1,500 tonnes, with this year's harvest expected to triple.
"The scheme is slowly going back to its glory, we are now planting twice a year," he added. Shilyomunhu indicated that they have ambitious goals, aiming to achieve an annual harvest of 10,000 metric tonnes of grain to meet growing regional demand. However, he stated that the scheme faces significant challenges, particularly due to prolonged dry conditions.
Due to reduced yields, only 30 per cent of the harvested grain is sold to external millers. The remaining 70 per cent is processed on-site and sold locally. Notably, Shilyomunhu mentioned that a substantial portion of their customer base is from neighbouring Angola and other regions, highlighting Etunda's role in supplying a wider market and the demand for their product.
The maize meal is packaged in 10 kilogramme (N.dollars 80), 20kg (N.dollars 160), and 50kg (N.dollars 485) bags. Shilyomunhu also emphasised a renewed focus on soil management, aiming to ensure sustainable and improved crop production. "In the past, soil was not regarded as important, and people only focused on producing for selling purposes. But with the current team, we aim for soil management to ensure better crop production for harvesting," he said.