Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero, has inaugurated four agriculture projects at the National Youth Service Centre in Rietfontien in the Otjozondjupa Region.

Tjongarero says the agriculture programmes are vital in enhancing food security and empowering the youth through training.

The projects are poultry, lucerne, and vegetable planting; a biomass charcoal animal fodder plant; and a farm machinery warehouse.

"Through the collective efforts of the NYS, funders, and stakeholders, we are seeing remarkable achievements. The produce from these projects is not only contributing to local food security but also finding its way to major supermarkets such as Fresh Produce, Choppies, OK Foods, and AMTA. This is an impressive testament to the potential of youth-led agricultural initiatives."

Tjongarero emphasised the project's alignment with the goals of the ministry.

"It is crucial that the NYS Board and Management continue to monitor and evaluate these projects to ensure their long-term success. We must not only celebrate today's achievements but also commit to safeguarding them for future generations."

The National Youth Service Board Chairperson, Jacob Hamutenya, said the projects are all in full production.

"Most of these projects have been fully implemented and are currently ongoing, as we will see today, while the Lucerne project is in its final stages, but it will also be able to make an impact during this drought season. These projects will not only generate revenue to support the service's sustainability efforts in line with its integrated strategic business plan, but they will also enable the service to expand and increase the youth intake into various programmes."

The projects are sponsored by the Namibia Training Authority and the Social Security Commission.