Rain: Communal farmers urged to work the land
Northern councillors urge communities to plough
Government tractors are available for hire in some areas, at nearly half the commercial price.
Okongo Constituency Councillor Shipindo Lebius has called on communal farmers in northern Namibia to prepare their fields and start ploughing following recent rainfall. This call aligns with the Swapo Party manifesto’s focus on enhancing food security.
Lebius emphasized the urgency of addressing food insecurity after poor harvests in previous years due to drought conditions and seasonal flooding. He encouraged farmers to seize the opportunity provided by the early rains to plant crops such as sorghum, maize, mahangu, and beans.
A push for food security
Lebius highlighted the Swapo Party’s election manifesto, which prioritizes the development of local agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and herbicides, to bolster food security.
“Food security and self-sufficiency are critical aspects of national economic growth and development,” he said. “We see the first rains have started already. This is a sign to start preparing our crop fields and sowing crops.”
Onesi told not to wait
Similarly, Onesi Constituency Councillor Festus Petrus urged farmers in his area to begin ploughing immediately. Petrus cautioned against waiting for another rainy season, underscoring the importance of reducing dependency on government drought relief programs.
“If we produce our own food, the government can channel drought relief funds to other essential programs,” he said.
Support for farmers
Both constituencies have received support from the ministry of agriculture in the form of tractors to aid farmers. In Onesi, four tractors are available for hire at a fee of N$350 per homestead. Registration is ongoing at the constituency office for those interested in renting the equipment.
Weather challenges and solutions
The Ohangwena and Omusati regions have faced years of erratic weather, including severe droughts and late rains, leaving many residents food insecure. The councillors’ calls aim to mitigate these challenges by encouraging proactive farming practices and leveraging available resources.
Lebius emphasized the urgency of addressing food insecurity after poor harvests in previous years due to drought conditions and seasonal flooding. He encouraged farmers to seize the opportunity provided by the early rains to plant crops such as sorghum, maize, mahangu, and beans.
A push for food security
Lebius highlighted the Swapo Party’s election manifesto, which prioritizes the development of local agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and herbicides, to bolster food security.
“Food security and self-sufficiency are critical aspects of national economic growth and development,” he said. “We see the first rains have started already. This is a sign to start preparing our crop fields and sowing crops.”
Onesi told not to wait
Similarly, Onesi Constituency Councillor Festus Petrus urged farmers in his area to begin ploughing immediately. Petrus cautioned against waiting for another rainy season, underscoring the importance of reducing dependency on government drought relief programs.
“If we produce our own food, the government can channel drought relief funds to other essential programs,” he said.
Support for farmers
Both constituencies have received support from the ministry of agriculture in the form of tractors to aid farmers. In Onesi, four tractors are available for hire at a fee of N$350 per homestead. Registration is ongoing at the constituency office for those interested in renting the equipment.
Weather challenges and solutions
The Ohangwena and Omusati regions have faced years of erratic weather, including severe droughts and late rains, leaving many residents food insecure. The councillors’ calls aim to mitigate these challenges by encouraging proactive farming practices and leveraging available resources.
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