Estimated 53% decline in crop harvest projected

With estimations showing a drop of more than 50% in crop production this season, it has been recommended that government declare a drought emergency at the national level.Provisional estimates indicate a decline of 53% in crop production, from a harvest of 153 012 tonnes in the 2022/2023 season to 72 150 tonnes during the 2023/2024 season.This information is contained in the Crop Prospects, Food Security, and Drought Situation report, released by the agriculture ministry.The report warned that household food security has significantly deteriorated in various regions because of a steep decline in agricultural production during the 2022/2023 season.“Nonetheless, there are still a few households reliant on the remaining stocks from the previous harvest, which are estimated to deplete by April 2024.”The report added that "it is recommended that the government declare a drought emergency at the national level.”Bleak outlookCommercial areas are projected to record a harvest of 35 200 tonnes, indicating a drop of 68% compared to the previous season&#039;s harvest of 111 000 tonnes, contributing only 49% to national cereal production.“This decline is primarily due to the devastating drought experienced in rain-fed areas and the substantial reduction in the number of farmers who have planted maize and wheat in the commercial area this season.”The report indicated that maize production in communal areas in the Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West regions is estimated to produce 3 400 tonnes – 50% below last season’s production of 6 800 tonnes.Meanwhile, maize production in the commercial area is provisionally estimated at 19 900 tonnes. This is 77% lower than last season’s harvest of 88 200 tonnes.Pearl millet production is estimated at 15 900 tonnes, which is 22% lower than last season’s harvest of 20 500 tonnes.Furthermore, sorghum production is estimated at 1 500 tonnes, reflecting a decrease of 32% from last season’s 2 200 tonnes harvest.“The decrease in the expected harvest is highly attributed to the drought conditions and the prolonged dry spells experienced during the course of the 2023/2024 season.”Wheat production in commercial areas is estimated at 15 300 tonnes – 33% below last season’s 22 800 tonnes harvest.Green schemes show positive resultsOn the other hand, the report noted that irrigated green schemes are projected to experience an improvement in the expected harvest for both maize and wheat by 24% and 63% compared to last season.“This improvement was attributed to a notable increase in the planted area by the irrigation green schemes.”Green scheme projects are expected to produce 13 100 tonnes of maize during the season, around 24% more than last season’s production of 10 600 tonnes.Wheat production in green schemes is estimated at 3 100 tonnes this season, which is 63% more than last season’s production of 1 900 tonnes.

Estimated 53% decline in crop harvest projected

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Estimated 53% decline in crop harvest projected

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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