Lameck eyes a bumper harvest
Anne-Nora Lameck, a farmer from Oupili village in the Ohangwena Region, is anticipating a bumper harvest this season, with her Mahangu crops already growing to knee-height. Despite the scorching sun, Lameck, alongside her relatives and neighbors, was busy weeding her 10-hectare crop field when she shared her farming techniques, which she attributes to her consistent success.
Lameck believes that traditional farming methods, coupled with good rains, are key to achieving high yields. Unlike some farmers who use tractors for ploughing, she prefers using oxen, explaining that tractor blades tend to bury compost too deep into the soil, leading to poor yields. Additionally, she relies on traditional seeds rather than modified ones.
While many farmers in her area have delayed ploughing as they wait for sufficient rain, Lameck began working on her field on 12 November after the first rainfall. “I do not delay. When we received the first rainfall, I started ploughing. Although it was a risk, it has paid off, and that is why we are already weeding,” she explained.
With favorable rainfall in the coming months, Lameck is confident this year will bring her best harvest yet.
Feeding the nation
Lameck is among the few farmers in Namibia who sell their harvest to the state through the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA). Her Mahangu harvests are used to supplement the government’s drought relief program, a contribution she takes immense pride in.
“It is a proud feeling knowing that my hard work feeds the nation,” she said.
A Passion for farming
Lameck retired from her role as a communications officer at Namdeb to become a full-time farmer. While many retirees opt to relax and enjoy their pensions, Lameck chose to dedicate her time to farming, contributing to the economy and ensuring food security.
She encourages other farmers to put in the effort, regardless of the size of their land. “It is not about how big your Mahangu field is. You can have a big crop field or even just a hectare. You must just work hard, and you will have enough food for you and your family,” she said.
Expanding horizons
Beyond crop farming, Lameck has diversified her ventures to include poultry and livestock farming. She raises various rare chicken breeds uncommon in northern Namibia and also keeps cows, goats, sheep, and pigs. She plans to further expand her livestock farming in the future.
Lameck also urged farmers who have yet to plough their fields not to delay any longer. - [email protected]
Lameck believes that traditional farming methods, coupled with good rains, are key to achieving high yields. Unlike some farmers who use tractors for ploughing, she prefers using oxen, explaining that tractor blades tend to bury compost too deep into the soil, leading to poor yields. Additionally, she relies on traditional seeds rather than modified ones.
While many farmers in her area have delayed ploughing as they wait for sufficient rain, Lameck began working on her field on 12 November after the first rainfall. “I do not delay. When we received the first rainfall, I started ploughing. Although it was a risk, it has paid off, and that is why we are already weeding,” she explained.
With favorable rainfall in the coming months, Lameck is confident this year will bring her best harvest yet.
Feeding the nation
Lameck is among the few farmers in Namibia who sell their harvest to the state through the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA). Her Mahangu harvests are used to supplement the government’s drought relief program, a contribution she takes immense pride in.
“It is a proud feeling knowing that my hard work feeds the nation,” she said.
A Passion for farming
Lameck retired from her role as a communications officer at Namdeb to become a full-time farmer. While many retirees opt to relax and enjoy their pensions, Lameck chose to dedicate her time to farming, contributing to the economy and ensuring food security.
She encourages other farmers to put in the effort, regardless of the size of their land. “It is not about how big your Mahangu field is. You can have a big crop field or even just a hectare. You must just work hard, and you will have enough food for you and your family,” she said.
Expanding horizons
Beyond crop farming, Lameck has diversified her ventures to include poultry and livestock farming. She raises various rare chicken breeds uncommon in northern Namibia and also keeps cows, goats, sheep, and pigs. She plans to further expand her livestock farming in the future.
Lameck also urged farmers who have yet to plough their fields not to delay any longer. - [email protected]
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