The company Suncrest Farming Solutions has called on crop-producing communities in the Epukiro Constituency of the Omaheke Region to prioritize horticulture and fodder production after the area recorded good rainfall.
Speaking at a Farmers Information Day held at Epukiro Pos 3, company director Sydney Maphosa stressed it was high time that local farmers developed themselves with the skills to maximize their crop yields and realize a good harvest.
Food security at the household level and livestock maintenance, he said, should be key priority areas for agriculturalists after years of persistent drought.
The director stated that agriculture remains a key sector in contributing to the country's economy, and he called on farming communities to work hard in collaboration with government and private entities.
"Farming is a billion-dollar business. If you look at countries like South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, a lot of families are living from farming. Without talking across the continent, even here in Namibia, you see that there are a lot of families making a living out of farming, but people didn't know that there is money in farming. People have been doing it quietly, so we are trying to enlighten people that farming is not just a pastime; besides feeding the family, you can also create employment."
A farmer at Post 3, Hiskia Tjatjitua, pointed out that agriculture-related training is vital, as it keeps farmers informed of industry trends.
"It is true: when you start with planning, you have to plan correctly, and then you have to implement it in the correct way too. That is very important. It is a good model that I heard today from the facilitator, as he said planning is a priority, then implementation, then your market."
Tueumunu Nguakapita, a farmer from Okovimburu village, emphasized that crop production requires determination, as it is fraught with numerous challenges.
"We wanted to have such days, as we used to hear it over the radio that it was happening in Okakarara and some other areas, and today we heard it was happening at Omauezonjanda. That's why we are here. To venture into crop production is very vital, as there's no one who does not want to have food at home, so we came to learn even how to plant potatoes and onions and how to prepare the garden. It was an eye-opener indeed."