Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on communal farmers to commercialise the farming industry by transforming peasant farming into profit-oriented farming in order to contribute to and boost the country's economy.

Nandi Ndaitwah says it's through modern and resilient agriculture that the country will be able to address food insecurity and high unemployment.

She made these remarks when she officiated the Omaludi festival yesterday at Okongo in the Ohangwena Region.

"In the Ohangwena Region, Okongo has a history of being a major producer of mahangu and other agricultural products, as well as the best area of cattle grazing, so much so that historically, so many people from the west drove to the east of the area looking for grazing. The livestock sector in this region is predominantly comprised of the traditional herd, which is very important to the livelihood of the communities. However, efforts have to be made to bring out its potential for the overall development of our economy. I therefore believe the concept of Omaludi seeks to maintain the traditional importance of livestock while modernising the opportunities associated with livestock farming."

Speaking at the same event, Agriculture Minister Carl Schlettwein encouraged agriculture producers to adopt new strategies and advance their farming businesses by adding to the value chain. From selling basic and raw products to trading in finished products.

"From the basic production of any good to the trade in finished goods, the concept of a farm requires that producers, if they want to be optimally involved in agriculture, be in all this value chain because that's where money is made. Basic production represents about 15% of the value chain; the other 80% is made through processing, packaging, logistics, and most of all, wholesaling and retailing."

The Omaludi Festival is a traditional annual cattle show hosted by Okongo village council, where farmers from northern communal areas parade their cattle to be assessed by judges based on how well they have grazed. It also aims to create opportunities for farmers to enter the market.

This year's event is hosted under the theme "Dream Agriculture and Think Tourism for Ambitious Economic Growth.