By: Peneyambeko Jonas
Namibia has taken steps towards reducing its dependence on imported fruits as promising banana harvest trials at Etunda in the Omusati Region showed positive results.
For years, Namibia has heavily relied on importing fruits such as bananas and apples from neighbouring countries and beyond, costing the country millions annually.
However, the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) now believes the country has the potential to commercially produce its own bananas under local environmental conditions.
Speaking to Eagle Media House during the Banana Field Trial Tour and Harvest Demonstration held at Etunda last week, NAB agronomist Simeon Ndjelekeni said the idea was inspired by local farmers already growing bananas successfully on a small scale.
“We have seen local farmers farming bananas, and if local farmers can do that, then there should be a positive way for Namibia to produce its own bananas in large quantities, with good yields and production for commercial business,” Ndjelekeni said.
He explained that the Board embarked on extensive research and data collection before implementing the current banana trial projects.
The harvest demonstration formed part of NAB’s broader research programme aimed at identifying banana varieties best suited to Namibia’s climate and soil conditions.
Speaking during the event, NAB Chief Executive Officer, Fidelis Mwazi, said the institution is conducting scientific trials to determine which banana varieties can thrive under Namibia’s harsh environmental conditions.
“The trials are aimed at selecting the most suitable banana varieties, particularly for areas such as Etunda, where the first banana harvest trial is currently taking place,” Mwazi said.
According to him, the Board has established six banana trial sites across the country to ensure broader and more representative research findings.
The sites include Etunda in Omusati Region, Singalamwe in the Zambezi Region, Divundu in Kavango East, and Oshivelo.
He noted that conducting trials in different regions allows researchers to gather lessons from varying climatic conditions, especially after frost negatively affected last season’s harvest trials in Singalamwe.
“The multiple sites help us obtain representative results and lessons from different environmental conditions,” he added.
Meanwhile, AvaGro Chief Operating Officer Hugo Raath highlighted the scientific process behind the banana plants currently being harvested at Etunda.
Raath explained that the plants first began in a laboratory where they were multiplied under controlled conditions before being transferred to nurseries for further growth.
“The seedlings were brought to Etunda in January last year, where the land was prepared before planting began,” Raath indicated.
He added that the same crops are now producing encouraging results, proving the strong potential for commercial banana farming in the Omusati Region.
“Etunda has shown promising results due to its suitable soil and environmental conditions,” he noted. Raath further explained that researchers will continue collecting data even after the current harvest as part of ongoing studies aimed at expanding banana production across Namibia.
He also stressed the importance of laboratory propagation in ensuring disease-free planting material for local farmers.
“Producing bananas through laboratory propagation helps ensure disease-free plants for local farmers, which is important for sustainable banana farming in the country,” stated Raath.
Currently, the Etunda trial project consists of 1,104 banana plants, whereby an expected yield of 30-40 tonnes is expected to be harvested from 0.6 hectares, which researchers say are showing encouraging growth and production levels.
The initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening Namibia’s agricultural sector, improving local fruit production, reducing imports, and creating opportunities for commercial banana farming in the future.
The Etunda banana harvest trial marked the beginning of a new era in Namibia’s agriculture industry, where bananas sold in local markets are proudly grown on Namibian soil.
