Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, over the weekend launched an equipment programme in the Oshana Region to help enhance agricultural productivity and reduce imports of staple foods into Namibia.
In media statement availed to Nampa on Monday, the minister said the project has two key sub-components, namely agricultural mechanisation and certified seed systems improvement. These directly respond to the fifth National Development Plan and the Harambee Prosperity Plans and their focus on structural transformation through increased agricultural production and productivity.
Schlettwein said the project will also help to facilitate job creation and enhance household incomes, while improving the livelihoods of people in rural areas.
“The agricultural mechanisation component of the project will enable farmers to complete farming operations much faster and more efficiently, especially in the crop producing regions where rain-fed farming is practiced. It will also help increase productivity and reduce the cost of cultivation. This project is vital to ensure timely availability and accessibility of quality certified seed for farmers,” said the minister.
He added that the equipment includes jab seed drillers operated by hand, hand operated seedling transplanters and knapsack sprayers, which will be available at Agricultural Development Centres in all regions. Farmers will loan the equipment at a minimal fee, with the exception of the knapsack sprayers, which will be used by ministerial staff only to control pests and diseases in farmers’ fields in the event of an outbreak.
“The ministry has ensured that equipment procured is gender sensitive and as such can be used by both men and women. Dear farmers, the ball is in your court now to optimally utilise this equipment in order to ensure household food security. I therefore urge all farmers to use the equipment with care and a sense of ownership, taking into consideration that other farmers will need to use them,” said Schlettwein.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
