The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Land Reform, Ruth Masake, visited the Kalimbeza Rice Farm Project in the Zambezi Region for a familiarisation tour.
Farm Manager Patrick Kompeli briefed the Deputy Minister on developments at the farm.
He said 77 tonnes of short variety Irga rice were cultivated on 30 hectares of land, while 31 tonnes of the long variety Super rice were harvested from eight hectares.
The rice remains unprocessed due to a broken N$8 million colour sorting machine.
Kompeli noted that the farm has received N$18 million for the 2025/2026 financial year. Of that amount, N$8 million is allocated for a new and complete rice processing machine.
Another N$8 million has been set aside for a consultant. The consultant will conduct a feasibility study, topography survey, design the fields, prepare tender documentation, and supervise contracts. These include the construction of dykes, drainage systems, field leveling, access roads, and pump station upgrades.
"We did not plant rice from 2021 up to 2023. We were told by the Ministry not to plant. But we planted last year in October 2024 after the visit by the Deputy Vice President at that time," said Kompeli.
"Inadequate water supply from the pump station causes water stress to the rice. It also leads to high weed levels as some parts are not properly irrigated," he added.
Kompeli said N$800,000 and N$400,000 will go towards renovating the production shed, offices and housing, and buying rice transplanting machines, respectively.
Challenges at the farm include uneven land surfaces, which make irrigation difficult. This leads to poor yields, bird damage, and flood vulnerability.
Deputy Minister Masake said Kalimbeza represents more than a farm.
“We are not blind to the challenges that you face—whether it is machinery, maintenance, access to input or market linkages. As a ministry, we are working to ensure that farms like Kalimbeza receive the necessary support. We are exploring ways to improve irrigation systems, mechanisation, training opportunities, and value addition through agro-processing.”
She said government wants the agriculture sector to become more commercially successful.
“Kalimbeza must not just be a project. It must be a model—a model for sustainability, innovation and inclusive growth. You are doing more than producing rice. You are cultivating national pride and economic hope. I urge you to continue your good work with the same passion and discipline that brought you this far.”
Masake urged management to put the remaining 79 hectares of unused land to productive use through horticulture.
Kalimbeza Rice Farm covers 150 hectares of irrigable land on a 229-hectare farm.
Seventy-nine hectares remain unused due to sandy soil unsuitable for rice.
The farm employs 11 permanent workers and several casual labourers.