Ohangwena: Ohangwena Regional Governor Kadiva Hamutumua says government has implemented a range of agricultural projects across the region aimed at strengthening food security, improving climate resilience, and increasing rural incomes. Delivering the State of the Region Address (SORA) at Eenhana on Friday, Hamutumua emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of the regional economy and a key pillar of government's development agenda under the Eighth Administration.According to Namibia Press Agency, 3,635.5 hectares of farmland were ploughed during the reporting period, benefiting 1,817 crop farmers through mechanised ploughing, planting, and weeding services. Additionally, 6,541 farmers received improved seed varieties and fertiliser to enhance productivity and strengthen household food production.The governor reported that technical support and production inputs were also provided to 83 vegetable gardens under the Horticulture Support and Value Chain Development Scheme. In the poultry sector, 152 farmers received training, extension services, and subsidised production inputs, while 18 cereal farmers benefited from subsidised threshers, hammer mills, and grain storage facilities under the Cereal Value Chain Programme.Hamutumua highlighted that a further 377 beneficiaries received agricultural equipment and inputs through the FAO-JICA Project, including solar-powered water pumps, water tanks, seeds, fertiliser, incubators, poultry cages, animal feed, and gardening tools. The livestock sector also recorded positive results, with 14 livestock auctions held at Oushake, Omauni, and Ndevahoma auction kraals. The auctions resulted in the sale of 632 cattle and 24 goats, generating more than N.dollars 5.7 million for 168 farmers.To improve livestock marketing infrastructure, the region installed a permanent weighing scale at the Ndevahoma Auction Kraal and procured three mobile weighing scales with support from the 11th European Development Fund. During the reporting period, 89 goats were distributed to fi ve beneficiary farmers across the region.Hamutumua mentioned that four tractors and implement sheds were also provided at the Omauni, Ongula ya Netanga, Endola, and Epembe Agricultural Development Centres. She added that the Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme remains one of the region's flagship agricultural projects and a strategic investment in long-term food production. During the year under review, three production boreholes were drilled, while construction of a four-kilometre perimeter fence around the project area reached approximately 80 percent completion.Despite challenging weather conditions, about 130 hectares were cultivated under rain-fed production, creating employment for 200 casual workers during land preparation, fencing, weeding, and harvesting. The project produced sorghum, pearl millet, maize, cowpeas, and about 7,000 bales of hay, contributing to regional food production and livestock feed reserves.