Omatjitenda: The Okatumba Gate Agricultural Show and Information Day, held in the Otjombinde Constituency of the Omaheke Region over the weekend, has been hailed a success.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the event, hosted by the Okatumba Gate Show Society (OGSS) under the Omitumba Omikaikai Farmers Cooperative, attracted 60 cattle and 120 small stock, with an impressive turnout from local and neighbouring communities. OGSS chairperson Kamakotje Marenga stated that the event drew significant participation from Eiseb Block and nearby constituencies, highlighting its growing regional impact.
‘The presence of various traditional leaders and the Otjombinde Constituency Councillor, Wenzel Kavaka, underscored the commitment of local governance to communal development,’ Marenga noted. He emphasized that the show distinguished itself by offering tangible and equitable rewards for farmers, including cash prizes and essential farming inputs like feed bags, oral doses, and ear taggers.
In a notable reward for agri
cultural shows in communal areas, the Champion of Champions Bull of the Okatumba Gate Agricultural Show earned nearly N.dollars 3,000 in value from a N.dollars 200 registration. ‘This is an extraordinary return that reflects the event’s integrity and fairness. The champion cow also received N.dollars 500 cash, feeds, doses, and first-place winnings, reinforcing the competitive ethos of the show,’ Marenga said.
The event also provided a platform for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 90 percent of the exhibitors being young entrepreneurs. Marenga emphasized that such shows are not just for farmers but are crucial platforms for competition, benchmarking, and celebrating agricultural endeavors. He stressed that agricultural shows have the potential to be springboards for sustainable livelihoods and community resilience and urged stakeholders to elevate these events to a more competitive level to unlock their full potential and restore the prestige of agricultural exhibitions in Namibia.
Mare
nga concluded by expressing gratitude to key partners for their support, including Feedmaster, the Directorate of Veterinary Services, and other institutions such as Dapees, Nampost, MSD Animal Health, and the National Housing Enterprise.