'Grow Namibia from the soil up' - Masake

“Leave no region behind” in Namibia’s agricultural development, said the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, while opening the 2025 Farmers Demo Inter-Regional Agricultural and Industrial Show to pledge greater support for smallholder farmers.Masake delivered the address on behalf of Minister Inge Zaamwani, who had delegated her to officially open the event. She began by extending the ministry’s appreciation to the organisers, exhibitors, and the farming community of Tallismanus and the broader Otjombinde Constituency.Masake set the tone by congratulating “the visionaries behind this event for demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing grassroots agricultural transformation and community resilience.”She stressed that the show’s efforts are “timely and fully aligned with the recently launched National Development Plan Six (NDP6), Namibia’s strategic roadmap for sustainable and inclusive development between 2025 and 2030.”Tying the show to NDP6Masake specified how the show reflects the NDP 6 plan’s key priorities. “This show embodies several critical pillars of NDP6,” she said, pointing to “Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth”, “Human Capital and Innovation”, “Environmental Sustainability and Resilience”, and “Social Transformation and Rural Inclusion”She called the gathering “a practical demonstration of what NDP6 calls a localised approach to development through community-driven innovation,” noting that its focus on livestock exhibitions, indigenous foods, local breeds, cultural displays, and knowledge exchange places rural producers at the heart of Namibia’s development agenda.Commitment to smallholder farmersThe deputy minister outlined several concrete commitments aimed at improving the lives of smallholder farmers. She said the ministry is “fully committed to realising the goals of NDP6 by scaling up support for smallholder farmers through training, inputs, veterinary services, and extension support.”She added that this work includes “expanding the reach of livestock improvement programmes and disease surveillance,” a priority for communal farmers in regions like Omaheke, where cattle health and breeding quality directly affect livelihoods.Another promise focused on rural equity: “facilitating access to land, finance, and markets, especially for women and youth in communal areas.”Masake stressed that these efforts would be accompanied by “strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities, regional councils, and the private sector in agri-development planning and implementation,” reflecting the government’s aim to coordinate resources at multiple levels.Leaving no region behindMasake also tied the event to the broader national vision of inclusion. She said the show “bridges the rural-urban divide by showcasing the deep connection between farming, food, culture, and economic growth,” and that this is in line with NDP6’s pledge to “leave no region behind in the pursuit of national progress.”In her remarks, Masake acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare, noting that “while the Right Honourable Prime Minister could not be with us today, we acknowledge with gratitude his support and acceptance of the organisers’ request to serve as patron of this initiative.” She added that his endorsement “underscores the national significance of grassroots-driven agricultural development.”Feeding the nationIn closing, Masake spoke directly to the farmers, organisers and exhibitors, praising their contribution to the country’s future. “You are doing more than growing crops or raising animals,” she said. “You are feeding a nation, preserving culture, creating jobs, and building the foundation of a future-proof economy.”She then formally declared the 2025 Farmers Demo Inter-Regional Agricultural and Industrial Show open “on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform,” urging that Namibia be grown “from the soil up, sustainably, inclusively and with pride.”

'Grow Namibia from the soil up' - Masake

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-18

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'Grow Namibia from the soil up' - Masake

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-18

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