President Nangolo Mbumba is on a three-day visit to the Kavango regions visiting green scheme projects to assess their productivity.

The President's first stop was the Sikondo Green Scheme, situated in Kavango West Region.

The tour involved a presentation on the successes and challenges of the project as well as solutions on how government can meet the green scheme halfway. 

The President says Namibia's ongoing drought should be seen as a motivation for irrigation schemes to receive the full support they would need from the government. 

"We should use this drought as a springboard to make sure that we truly pay attention to our green schemes. To put in the necessary funds and to motivate those who are working to make sure that they produce." 

The next stop was the Uvhungu-Vhungu Irrigation Project in Kavango East, where the farm manager presented the farm's performance and some of the difficulties experienced.

One of the major concerns is that, despite the fact that the wheat is ready for harvesting, the green scheme does not have its own combine harvester. 

This delays the harvesting process, which can affect the quality of the crop. During the familiarisation tour, the farm was given the go-ahead to immediately lease a combine harvester. 

"The cabinet decided a long time ago to make sure that we give the minister of agriculture enough resources to make sure that our green schemes truly become green. To get their tractors, get their machinery, get their seeds, get their fertilizers."

The President also visited Mashare Berries farming in Kavango East. They are the first producer of export-quality blueberries in Namibia. 

The company also gave the president a tour of their premises, including a presentation on their investment projects. 

"I have never been to the blueberry farm. It is also to encourage investors who want to invest in our land. We have enough land. We have water; the soil is deep enough. For them to expand their production and for others to come and invest in our countries to create jobs." 

After visiting the green scheme projects, Mbumba said he is encouraged by the efforts, saying the country is on the right track, especially when it comes to the ministry of agriculture availing more resources to the irrigation projects. 

"It is very important that Namibians start taking care of themselves. As Dr. Nujoma long ago said, The nation that cannot feed itself cannot possibly be proud of its own existence, so we have to be proud, do things in our own country, and take decisions that may be difficult, but they are our decisions."

The President will also be visiting Ndonga Linena, Shadikongoro, and Musese green schemes during his familiarisation visit.