Maria David
THE Ndonga Linena Green Scheme, a key government-backed irrigation project, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first farm in Namibia to harvest maize for the 2025 cropping season.
This success follows the implementation of Cabinet Decision No.: 21/23.11.21.012, which led to the termination of AgriBusDev’s management of Green Schemes and the subsequent mobilization of funds to revitalize four crucial projects: Ndonga Linena, Sikondo, Etunda, and Vhungu-Vungu.
Ministry of Agriculture spokesperson Ndyipakupi Nghituwamata said the operations at the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme are currently in full swing, with harvesting underway since Saturday.
According to Nghituwamata, the scheme’s two 22-hectare center pivot fields have yielded impressive results of 9.6 and 8.8 tons per hectare.
“This represents a substantial improvement over last year’s averages of 8.2 and 4.6 tons per hectare, a testament to significant investments in new technologies, precision equipment, and detailed soil analysis,” she said.
She added that the ministry has been instrumental in supporting this progress through strategic investments in lime and organic materials, alongside the implementation of cover crops to enhance soil health.
Nghituwamata explained that this focus on sustainable practices aims to ensure the long-term productivity of the land.
Furthermore, she said that this season, the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme expanded its planted area to a total of 510 hectares, comprising 360 hectares of large-scale commercial plots and 150 hectares allocated to small-scale farmers.
Nghituwamata said this is a significant increase compared to the previous year, which saw only 88 hectares planted on commercial plots.
“Looking towards the 2026 season, the Green Scheme has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to cultivate 424 hectares for commercial plots, including 80 hectares designated for medium-scale farming,” she added.
Moreover, she indicated that an additional 176 hectares will be reserved for small-scale farmers, targeting a total of 680 hectares and a projected maize yield of 5,400 tons.
This strategic combination of technological innovation, sustainable agricultural practices, and meticulous planning positions the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme as a leader in the Namibian agricultural sector.
