News shorts

Minister worried about crime The Minister of Safety and Security Immanuel Ngatjizeko said his ministry is worried about the threats posed by the increase of criminal incidences which are causing fear and insecurity amongst Namibia's law-abiding citizens. Ngatjizeko said this week while motivating the Safety and Security Ministry's allocation of N$3,2 billion to the Namibia police's operations for the 2013/2014 financial year. He said the increase in criminal incidences might also create an unfavourable situation for both local and foreign investors who want to invest their money in the country's socio-economic development. Namibia has been privileged over the past 23 years to enjoy peace and stability and the rule of law. However, there are now worrisome trends posed by incidences of murder, theft, robbery, domestic violence, drug trafficking, rape, and fraud and cyber crimes, just to mention a few, he said. Agricultural sector struggling The agricultural sector is going through tough times, with its contribution to Namibia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) being far less currently than it was in previous years. The Namibia Agriculture Union (NAU) said in its latest newsletter that the GDP contribution of the agricultural sector has decreased from 9% in 1990 to 4,5% currently. The agricultural sector's biggest component, the livestock sector, contributes 7% to this figure, with 800 000 cattle south of the Red Line contributing 70%, and the nearly 1,6 million cattle in the northern communal areas only contributing 6 per cent. The newsletter stated that the livestock contribution by producers both south and north of the veterinary cordon fence (Red Line) towards the national agricultural economy must be increased. No cattle at Opuwo Trade Fair The drought in Kunene Region is making its impact felt once again as a decision has now been taken to exclude large livestock from the agriculture section at this year's Opuwo Trade Fair. The trade fair is scheduled to run from May 28 to June 2, and only small stock will be allowed in the agriculture section. Kunene was declared drought-stricken by President Hifikepunye Pohamba last year, and there has been no improvement in the situation as very little rain was received in the region this year. Irende Kavari, who is in charge of the agricultural section at the trade fair, told Nampa on Tuesday that there were concerns about the current conditions of large stock due to the drought. Reports by Nampa