In an effort to address food sustainability in the country, Namibia’s first apple-producing, privately-owned company, Roots Namibia, has supplied 40 per cent of its harvest to local supermarkets since March 2021.

Namibia’s first commercial apple orchard, situated 60 kilometres northeast of Mariental, houses 27 600 apple trees, producing 50 to 70 tons per 9.1 hectares annually valued at an estimated N.dollars 4.8 million.

Speaking to the media during a tour with local journalists aimed at increasing visibility in Namibia’s southern Kalahari route, Roots Namibia Manager, Jano Rieckert said the company was established in 2015 with the vision of addressing food security in the country.

Rieckert explained that the project, which employs about 300 locals during harvesting season in February and March, supplies 40 per cent of its produce to local supermarkets, especially those in Windhoek.

He noted that 60 per cent goes towards the value addition chain producing finished products such as Appletiser and apple ciders, stressing that value addition is crucial for the country for job creation and economic growth.

“Roots Namibia has three pillars that we believe can change the country, namely food security, education and manufacturing. The idea of producing apples indicates that Namibia can be food sustainable, given the expertise and knowledge,” he said.

Rieckert further emphasised that although the weather and soil are not too ideal for growing apples, through advanced agricultural technologies, the company is able to grow apples, noting the area is in an abundance of groundwater.

“The biggest motivation is to show that Namibia can be food self-sufficient. We do not have to import all our products from South Africa. Now Namibia does not have to rely 80 per cent on South Africa for apples as we can grow our own,” he noted.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency