Erongo farmers reap benefits of govt support

Agricultural support programmes are beginning to bear fruit in the Erongo region, with hundreds of farmers receiving training, equipment, livestock and technical support aimed at boosting food security and strengthening rural livelihoods.

Speaking during her State of the Region Address, Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses said agriculture remains a key pillar in promoting self-sufficiency and economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities.

Government interventions through the division of agricultural production, extension and engineering services have benefited farmers across the region through a range of targeted programmes, she said.

Under the national horticultural support programme, 82 farmers from rural communities were equipped with horticultural inputs, irrigation materials and farming tools, enabling them to supply fresh produce to both formal and informal markets. A further 46 farmers received seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation equipment, while 1 656 farmers underwent agricultural training at a cost of N$700 000.

Fruitful

The poultry value chain development scheme also provided direct support to 49 farmers and trained an additional 200 farmers in poultry production and animal husbandry.

To improve climate resilience, 46 farmers were trained in conservation agriculture practices such as minimum tillage, mulching and crop rotation to enhance soil fertility and productivity.

Meanwhile, the region received N$2 million through the small stock istribution and development programme, which enabled the purchase and distribution of 420 head of small stock to 20 farmers in the Dâures, Karibib and Walvis Bay Rural constituencies.

The governor further revealed that 1 119 farmers received advisory services on livestock management, vaccination, deworming, rangeland management and supplementary feeding through a programme supported by Agribank and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Positive rainfall during the season also brought relief to farmers, with the region recording above-normal rainfall that improved grazing conditions and pasture availability for livestock.