The Ndonga Linena Green Scheme has become the first farm to harvest maize for the 2025 cropping season.
This milestone follows the government's decision to transition management of Green Schemes away from AgriBusDev, which has unlocked funding to revitalize four major Green Schemes: Ndonga Linena, Sikondo, Etunda, and Uvhungu-Vungu, bringing them to full production.
Currently, the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme is fully operational, with maize harvesting underway.
The scheme's two 22-hectare center pivot fields have produced impressive yields of 9.6 and 8.8 tonnes per hectare, significantly exceeding last year's averages of 8.2 and 4.6 tonnes per hectare.
This improvement is a result of substantial investments in advanced technology, precision equipment, and detailed soil analysis.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Land Reform has been instrumental in supporting the project by investing in lime, organic materials, and cover crops to enhance soil health and promote sustainability.
This strategic approach integrates technological innovation with sustainable agricultural practices and meticulous planning, positioning Namibia as a leader in the agricultural sector while enhancing regional and national food security.
According to Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the Executive Director of the Agriculture Ministry, the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme exemplifies how sustainable agriculture and innovation can drive economic growth and improve food security in Namibia.
In addition to maize, the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme also cultivates crops such as wheat. The farm manager reports that the scheme has achieved approximately 95 percent of its full production capacity compared to the previous season, yielding about 2,500 tonnes of maize for commercial purposes.
This season, the scheme has expanded its planted area to 510 hectares, with 360 hectares dedicated to large-scale commercial farming and 150 hectares reserved for small-scale farmers, marking an increase from last year's 88 hectares of commercial plots.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, plans are in place to cultivate 424 hectares for commercial farming and reserve 176 hectares for small-scale farmers, targeting a total of 680 hectares with a projected maize yield of 5,400 tonnes.