Windhoek: The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform in Namibia has allocated N.dollars 44 million to support the upcoming dryland cropping season, aiming to mitigate the effects of prolonged drought and enhance agricultural productivity.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Simon Nghipandulwa, a spokesperson for the Ministry, detailed the allocation of funds in a recent interview. The investment will cover essential services such as diesel and lubricants procurement, subsidies for ploughing services and tractors, and wages for temporary workers. Nghipandulwa emphasized the ministry’s preparedness with agricultural machinery and inputs, noting the availability of 400 tractors and the hiring of 417 farm machinery operators, both male and female.

The ministry has distributed significant agricultural inputs across all regions, including 84 metric tonnes of maize seeds, 10 metric tonnes of cowpea, and 74 metric tonnes of fertilizer. Plans are also in place to deliver an additional 234 metric tonnes of mah
angu seeds. With expectations of above-normal rainfall, the ministry has prepared an extra 150 tractors and various implements to support farmers during the season.

Further addressing the drought’s impact, Nghipandulwa highlighted ongoing livestock marketing incentives under the ministry’s drought relief initiatives. To date, 4,398 claims totaling N.dollars 22.7 million have been processed, with disbursements scheduled within the current financial year. The spokesperson assured continuous support until the allocated funds are depleted or grazing conditions improve.

Additionally, the drought relief program includes the distribution of fodder with preparations underway for the next phase of supply deliveries. The prolonged drought has led to abnormally dry conditions, poor crop performance, and reduced rangeland conditions across the country. Challenges such as high costs of animal feed and livestock deaths have been exacerbated, with farmers facing difficulties in accessing feed.