The Vice President and Patron of the annual Omaludi Agricultural Festival, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has called on farmers to add value to their produce and create jobs.
Nandi-Ndaitwah officially opened the 4th Omaludi Agricultural Festival at Okongo.
The Omaludi Festival brings together farmers and the business community from the northern regions to showcase their services, animals, and agricultural produce.
Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the festival for growing by leaps and bounds over the past six years since its inception.
She said such activities have become an enabler of agricultural and business development.
"It must be understood that this initiative must not be treated in isolation; it must be coupled with government goals, as agriculture remains one of the priorities of our government. This is so because this sector has the potential to create more employment opportunities for thousands of Namibians in addition to ensuring food security."
The agriculture sector contributes, on average, 4% to the gross domestic product.
Livestock farming comprises approximately two-thirds of agricultural production, while crop farming makes up the remaining third.
"I, for one, believe and have confidence in the youth of Namibia to play a decisive role in our agricultural and overall economic transformation. The mission of the government is to bring out their full potential to become job creators and provide quality service delivery."
This year's Omaludi Festival brings together 96 exhibitors, including eight cattle herders, who are scheduled to participate in the competition.
The first-place winner will walk away with N$15,0000; the second will get N$10,000; and the third will walk away with N$5,000.
However, all participants will receive $1,000 each.
The festival not only allows farmers to exhibit their livestock, but it also serves as a catalyst for the development and marketing of agricultural products.
Ohangwena Governor Sebastian Ndeitunga supported the call by President Nangolo Mbumba that people importing mahangu from Angola for consumption to mitigate the impact of drought should be given preferential treatment.
"Likewise, we also appeal to those who are fortunate enough to have produced or traded mahangu and other basic foodstuffs not to take advantage of the drought situation to charge exorbitant prices. Kindly be patriotic enough and assist the less fortunate where possible."
This year's festival is officially sponsored by the Rani Group.