Namibia imports 62% horticulture products
Leased green schemes to increase food production
For green scheme projects still under government management, the agriculture ministry will ensure that some level of production is attained, Schlettwein said.
For the last five years, on average, Namibia’s monthly consumption of horticulture products has amounted to approximately 7 961 tonnes, which translates to 95 527 tonnes annually.
Of the annual tonnage, 36 326 tonnes (38%) are locally produced, while 59 200 tonnes (62%) are imported.
Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein said this in a speech delivered in parliament, adding that although Namibia is a net importer of horticultural products, the country exported 52 021 tonnes during the five-year period (2017/2018 to 2021/2022) on average.
According to him, exports arise during peak production seasons when output exceeds consumption demand.
The Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has invited investors - through an open bidding process - to lease some of the green scheme projects under a ‘build, operate and transfer’ model, he said.
“Apart from creation of job opportunities, the green scheme projects, once in full production, are expected to increase local food production - including horticultural produce - as well as create much-needed horizontal linkages across value chains. This will include the production of livestock feeds which is beneficial to the livestock industry,” Schlettwein added.
Local participation
The leasing of the green schemes will take into account the indispensable need for local participation and, in particular, the participation of small holders in the schemes, the minister said.
The ministry continues to support smallholder farmers engaged in horticulture and poultry production in all 14 regions of the country. This support, he said, includes the provision of seeds, fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, shade nets and irrigation equipment to existing and newly established gardens in the regions for enhanced food and nutrition security.
Furthermore, the schemes will support value addition through the establishment of cold storage facilities and agro-processing units at strategic areas to ensure enhanced market-driven production and higher returns by producers and agro-processors.
Market share promotion
Meanwhile, for green scheme projects still in the hands of the government, the ministry will ensure that some level of production is attained amid limited financial resources, which not only affects the agriculture ministry, but government as whole, Schlettwein said.
“This level of targeted investment in increased production is envisaged during the transition process while the leasing process is taking its course.”
He added that in an effort to ensure a market for local produce, the ministry - through the Namibia Agronomic Board - continues to implement the horticulture market share promotion scheme, currently standing at 47%. This means traders are compelled to procure 47% of their horticultural requirements before given a permit to import.
Of the annual tonnage, 36 326 tonnes (38%) are locally produced, while 59 200 tonnes (62%) are imported.
Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein said this in a speech delivered in parliament, adding that although Namibia is a net importer of horticultural products, the country exported 52 021 tonnes during the five-year period (2017/2018 to 2021/2022) on average.
According to him, exports arise during peak production seasons when output exceeds consumption demand.
The Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has invited investors - through an open bidding process - to lease some of the green scheme projects under a ‘build, operate and transfer’ model, he said.
“Apart from creation of job opportunities, the green scheme projects, once in full production, are expected to increase local food production - including horticultural produce - as well as create much-needed horizontal linkages across value chains. This will include the production of livestock feeds which is beneficial to the livestock industry,” Schlettwein added.
Local participation
The leasing of the green schemes will take into account the indispensable need for local participation and, in particular, the participation of small holders in the schemes, the minister said.
The ministry continues to support smallholder farmers engaged in horticulture and poultry production in all 14 regions of the country. This support, he said, includes the provision of seeds, fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, shade nets and irrigation equipment to existing and newly established gardens in the regions for enhanced food and nutrition security.
Furthermore, the schemes will support value addition through the establishment of cold storage facilities and agro-processing units at strategic areas to ensure enhanced market-driven production and higher returns by producers and agro-processors.
Market share promotion
Meanwhile, for green scheme projects still in the hands of the government, the ministry will ensure that some level of production is attained amid limited financial resources, which not only affects the agriculture ministry, but government as whole, Schlettwein said.
“This level of targeted investment in increased production is envisaged during the transition process while the leasing process is taking its course.”
He added that in an effort to ensure a market for local produce, the ministry - through the Namibia Agronomic Board - continues to implement the horticulture market share promotion scheme, currently standing at 47%. This means traders are compelled to procure 47% of their horticultural requirements before given a permit to import.
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