Windhoek: The Sikondo Green Scheme in the Kavango West Region is harvesting its winter potato crop for local markets, creating employment and supporting food security.According to Namibia Press Agency, the farm began harvesting potatoes in early July and expects to continue until early September, targeting outlets in Rundu, Oshakati, and Ondangwa, with plans to supply the upcoming Nkurenkuru Expo as well. Sikondo planted 20 hectares of potatoes this winter, projecting yields of 40 to 50 tonnes per hectare.In an interview with Nampa on Thursday, acting farm manager Maxwell Nghidinwa said the harvest is meeting quality expectations and supporting employment on the scheme. "We are looking at supplying the local markets, including Rundu. We have some markets in Oshakati and Ondangwa as well, but we're also targeting the upcoming Nkurenkuru Expo," he said. "Potato production usually means a huge increase in casual employment with 80 to 90 casual workers on the farm right now, improving the livelihood of the c ommunities."Nghidinwa said the farm is positive about returns and a good quality harvest this season. At the same time, he noted that Namibia's potato demand remains higher than local output. "What we are consuming as a country is actually higher than what we are producing, so we usually have to import," he said.Beyond potatoes, Sikondo recently concluded its mahangu harvest and is currently harvesting maize and cabbage, with new trials for garlic and rice underway. He noted that challenges include a shortage of tractors and high electricity costs.However, Nghidinwa said the scheme's location near Rundu and along the Katwitwi highway positions it for steady domestic supply and future export to Angola. Plans are also in motion to develop feedlots and expand fruit production as the scheme works to strengthen regional food supply chains.