Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Agriculture has officially handed over allotment letters for 22 commercial farming units and provided training to recently resettled farmers to equip them for productive use of the land.
“This particular event marks the twelfth time that resettled commercial farmers have been inducted and trained prior to taking up their farming units, highlighting a consistent and dedicated effort in this crucial programme,” said Pijoo Nganate, Governor of the Omaheke Region, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Inge Zaamwani.
Photo: Ministry of Agriculture.
According to Nganate, the new farmers have been allocated land across 13 farms that were acquired, planned, and demarcated into 22 units. These farming units are located in various parts of the country, including the Omaheke, Erongo, and Otjozondjupa regions. Nganate highlighted that the farms are intended for livestock rearing, as well as crop and vegetable production.
“The aim is for resettled farmers to be productive to the extent of becoming food self-sufficient and ultimately contributing to our country’s Gross Domestic Product. All of you today are joining the other 5,518 resettled commercial farmers who have so far benefited under the Land Reform Programme,” the Governor added.
In addition to receiving allotment letters, the beneficiaries also underwent comprehensive training facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture. The training covered a wide range of areas, including farm infrastructure maintenance, livestock and game management, rangeland management, fodder production, feed, basic broiler, layer and dual-purpose poultry production, pig production, and vegetable establishment, management, and marketing.
“This training serves as a gateway to successful and sustainable farming practices for beneficiaries, enabling them to sustain themselves and their families, and to contribute to the broader effort of poverty eradication in Namibia,” Nganate added.
