Idle farm equipment gets new lease of life

The agriculture ministry plans to sell unused materials and equipment at agricultural development centres (ADCs) nationwide as farmers prepare for the 2026/2027 cropping season.

Acting executive director in the ministry, Petrus-Canisius Nangolo, announced the initiative during a visit to the Outapi ADC recently, where he was overseeing the servicing of tractors and implements.

He said a large amount of equipment has been lying idle at ADCs for years, despite high demand from farmers and individuals who could put it to good use.

The items will include hand-operated seedling transplanters, jab seed drillers, handheld vegetable seed drillers, walking tractors with matching implements, hand-operated weeding cultivators, knapsack sprayers, diesel chippers and hammer mills.

Farmers have been urged to visit their nearest ADC to view available items and submit applications.

Omusati farmer Efraim Gideon welcomed the decision, saying many small-scale farmers struggle to access equipment.

“We have many farmers who face challenges because they don’t have equipment. This initiative will answer their call and make production easier. If one person buys, even neighbours can benefit,” Gideon said.

Season kicks off

Nangolo is currently touring regions to ensure that tractors are ready before the cropping season begins.

Of the 58 tractors stationed at Outapi ADC, 28 have already been serviced and 17 more will be completed soon.

The ministry said it is acting early this year to avoid the delays farmers have complained about in previous seasons.

“Many Namibians depend on growing pearl millet (omahangu). This is the right time for farmers to apply so they can be served without delay,” Nangolo said.

The official cropping season started yesterday on 1 September and closes on 21 March.