Maria David
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform is planning to embark on a new irrigation project on a 140-hectare brownfield site in Ekoka village, east of Okongo.
This was revealed by the Ministry’s Executive Director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, on Thursday.
The piece of land was given to the San community by the Ministry of Lands at the time to utilise; however, it remains unused.
According to Nghituwamata, the initiative is part of a presidential directive to acquire more land for agricultural production and aligns with the Ministry’s vision to establish projects in all 14 regions to promote national food self-reliance.
“Water surveys are currently underway to establish boreholes for the project,” she said.
In addition to the water surveys, she added that a team from the Directorate of Agriculture Production, Extension and Engineering Services is on-site conducting soil sampling and other technical assessments.
She explained that their findings will be used to advise management on the best way to make the project fully operational.
Nghituwamata emphasised that the Ministry aims to ensure that every region contributes to nutritious food production, a key step toward achieving food self-sufficiency for the nation.
She said that the community will also continue to benefit from the field and that locals will be employed.
