Potato imports slashed as local farmers boost production

Namibia has reached a significant milestone in potato production, with local producers set to supply about half of domestic demand by July.

The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) said potato imports will be capped at 50% under the monthly open and closed border notice for 20 controlled crops, effective from 1 to 31 July.

In previous years, Namibia relied entirely on imported potatoes, despite it being the most widely consumed crop in the country.

NAB horticulture manager Emilie Abraham told Namibian Sun last week that the shift followed last year’s full dependence on imports, which prompted collaboration with the agriculture ministry.

A subsidy programme was introduced to encourage local production, offering farmers a 50% subsidy on certified potato seed, fertiliser and agrochemicals, as well as training support.

"This initiative aims to reduce imports and encourage more farmers to enter potato production with the goal of increasing local market share from 47% to 60%,” Abraham said.

“The subsidy is not a one-time offer; each farmer will receive it twice, after which they can independently manage their farms, although we will continue to monitor and assist as needed," she added.

The programme has supported about 40 farmers, increasing the number of commercial potato producers from 28 to 68.

Four-year initiative

Abraham said the programme is expected to continue annually until 2030, with a target of producing 11 797 tonnes of potatoes and creating more than 1 500 permanent and seasonal jobs, mainly in production.

For the current cycle, applications for the subsidy remain open until 30 June.

Eligibility criteria include being a new or existing potato farmer in Namibia operating on a farm of between 0.5 and 2 hectares.

Applicants must be registered as producer farmers with the NAB, be Namibian citizens, and provide proof of land ownership as well as a functional irrigation system with access to a reliable source of clean water for irrigation.

Abraham expressed confidence in the success of the NAB potato subsidy scheme, saying most beneficiaries are expected to harvest in July and early August, with some already beginning harvesting.

“This is exciting news, and we encourage banking institutions to actively support the subsidy programme to make a significant impact," she said.

Import restrictions

In addition to potatoes, NAB on 22 June issued a notice to horticulture traders announcing a ban on the importation of several crops.

These include butternut, cabbage, English cucumbers, onions, sweet potatoes, round tomatoes, lettuce and spinach, according to NAB chief executive Dr Fidelis Mwazi.

This action is in line with the Agronomic Industry Act and the regulations of the Namibian Horticulture Market Share Promotion Scheme, which aim to protect local producers from unfair competition posed by low-cost and often substandard imports.

For July, Namibia’s borders will remain open for unrestricted imports of all varieties and sizes of watermelons, sweet melons and sweet corn.

A 20% import quota has been set for coloured peppers and cocktail tomatoes, while beetroot, carrots, green peppers, gem squash and pumpkin will be capped at 30%. Potatoes and jam potatoes will be limited to 50%, with exceptions made to address local production shortfalls.