The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS), University of Namibia (UNAM) and World Food Programme (WFP) have embarked on a joint seed multiplication project aimed at fostering food production.

Speaking at the launch of the joint venture at Tsumeb in the Oshikoto Region on Tuesday, NCS Commissioner-General Raphael Hamunyela said the project aims to maximise food production and mitigate the cost of inputs while contributing to food security in Namibia.

He said the NCS has four production farms producing crops and livestock for offenders’ rations at the Hardap, Divundu in Kavango East and Oluno in Oshana region correctional facilities. He however noted that sustenance and maintenance operations have become very costly due to the impact of geo-political commotion in Europe that has seen the prices of commodities sky-rocketing.

“A seed is the first link in the food chain and it is the key input to ensure food security. Our commitment is not only to produce clean seeds but play a vital role in agricultural productivity, as the quality and quantity of seeds used for planting directly produce high-quality seeds that can increase crop yield, reduce production costs and enhance the nutritional content of crops,” he noted.

At the same event, Unam’s Vice Chancellor Kenneth Matengu said Namibia is a net importer of both seed and food and it is against this background that the University initiated the Seed Research Project to produce new varieties of maize, wheat, potato, pearl millet (mahangu) and sesame considering the environmental conditions of Namibia.

He noted the University has competent researchers and international networks capable of contributing to national development, noting there is a need for government support and national and international organizations to enable effective contributions to national and global development.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency