By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala
The Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in the Kavango East Region has achieved full utilisation of its agricultural land for the first time.
This is according to the update from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s visit to green schemes.
During her visit, the President assessed progress on recommendations from previous engagements, preparations for the upcoming winter harvest, and the readiness of equipment and machinery for the summer planting season.
The Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme has a key role in strengthening Namibia’s food security, creating employment opportunities, supporting small-scale farmers, and driving rural economic development through the production of maize, wheat and various horticultural crops.
“I am happy. There is good progress in terms of plantation,” the President said, commending management, workers and farmers for their dedication and contribution to the growth of Namibia’s agricultural sector.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has also indicated that the Green Scheme projects will be under scrutiny, with annual visits and regular progress reports as a means of ensuring accountability, productivity and continued growth across the sector.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah also visited the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme in the Kavango East Region to assess agricultural production and engage with farmers and management.
Farm manager, Janno Rentel, informed the President that the scheme is expecting a strong harvest this season, with total maize production projected at approximately 4,754 tonnes from 574 hectares under cultivation.
According to Rentel, this year’s expected harvest represents a significant increase from the previous season and makes Ndonga Linena the largest contributor within the Green Scheme Programme for the 2025/2026 summer cropping season.
Despite the positive outlook, he, however, raised concerns about high transportation costs and the need for more reliable markets for maize produced at the scheme.
Rentel further noted that preparations for the winter cropping season are already underway, with 196 hectares of wheat and 22 hectares of oats planted.
The winter programme is being financed through revenue generated by the farm itself, as the farm’s financial performance improves, contributing to its operational sustainability.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah commended the Green Scheme’s management and small-scale farmers for their hard work and dedication, expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved.
She also welcomed the scheme’s contribution to employment creation, which supports hundreds of livelihoods in the Kavango East Region through permanent, seasonal and small-scale farming opportunities.
The President urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to continue supporting Green Schemes to ensure they reach their full productive potential.
During her visit to the small-scale farmers’ plots, President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed optimism about the upcoming harvest and encouraged farmers to remain committed to food production as a contribution to national food security.
As part of her ongoing commitment to strengthening food security and agricultural productivity, the President has over the past week visited several agricultural projects across the country.
These include the Etunda Green Scheme in the Omusati Region, the Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme in the Ohangwena Region, the Sikondo Green Scheme in the Kavango West Region, and the Uvhungu-Vhungu, Shadikongoro and Ndonga Linena Green Schemes in the Kavango East Region.
erastus@thevillager.com.na
