Agri development grows since 1990

ELLANIE SMIT WindhoekNamibia is currently able to export its beef to 22 countries, while the value of meat and livestock products from export abattoirs in 2019 stood at N$1.279 billion.This is according to agriculture executive director Percy Misika who provided feedback on the progress made in the development of the agriculture, water and forestry sectors from 1990 to 2020.He said more than 4.7 million cattle have been slaughtered at approved abattoirs from 1990 to date while 12.7 million sheep have been slaughtered. The latest figures indicate that year-on-year, a 4,78 % increase was witnessed in the total marketing of cattle during 2019 compared to 2018. Marketing increased from 441 559 cattle in 2018 to 462 646 in 2019.A total of 740 481 sheep were marketed in 2019 compared to 820 786 in 2018.According to Misika, since 2002, a total of 426 237 tonnes of beef carcasses or meat cuts have been exported, 42 925 tonnes of offal and 517 581 tonnes of corned beef. Furthermore, 154 017 tonnes of lamb carcasses or meat cuts have been exported, 25 284 tonnes of offal and 7 345 tonnes of hides and skins.Growth in sectorMisika said agriculture development, like any other socio-economic development, booms when there is a conducive enabling environment that encompasses peace, harmony and stability. He said since independence, the total size of irrigated land has been expanded from 4 434 hectares to 11 000 hectares. This includes 5 512 hectares of government land and 5 488 hectares of private land. Furthermore, green schemes have increased from four schemes before independence to 11. The number of grain storage facilities in Namibia, first established in 2010, has increased to five with a capacity of 22 900 metric tonnes. Grain storageAccording to Misika, the 73 000 metric tonnes of grains that have been stored in these silos since 2010 have an estimated monetary value of N$328.5 million. Of this, 63 000 metric tonnes have been used for government food relief programmes and 10 000 metric tonnes have been sold to private millers.Misika said that this has enhanced food availability during emergencies caused by natural disasters, stimulated growth production and marketing of surplus from subsistence farmers and green schemes. Grapes and datesHe further said grape production in Namibia has increased to six million 4.5kg boxes per year, valued at N$597 million, while 350 000 tonnes of dates are exported per year. This is valued at N$70.9 million.Also, a total of 18 937 tons of vegetables are exported per year, valued at N$111 million. According to Misika, Namibia now produces 47% of its national demand for vegetables per year, while the Promotion of Horticulture Market Share has increased from 5% before independence to 47% currently.

Agri development grows since 1990

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-01

Please login to leave a comment

Agri development grows since 1990

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-01

Please login to leave a comment

Login