Agronomic Board launches potato development scheme - nbc

Описание: The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has launched the Potato Development Scheme, an initiative to reduce imports and stimulate local production.

The NAB will provide a 50% subsidy, while Agribank will provide loans for input financing.

Potatoes rank among the most consumed products in Namibia.

The Potato Development Scheme aims to boost food security and open up profitable opportunities for local potato farmers to flourish and contribute to the nation's goal of self-sufficiency.

At the launch of the scheme, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani highlighted that the programme represents Namibia's dedication to unlocking value along the entire crop value chain.

These strategic efforts, she notes, are designed to empower producers, stimulate agribusiness growth and foster dignified livelihoods for Namibian communities.

"This scheme will: boost local production and create jobs across the potato value chain, reduce reliance on imports and save foreign exchange, encourage agro-processing such as chips, crisps, and starch production, and serve as a model for similar schemes in other priority crops. Imagine, for a minute, a future where Namibia not only produces enough potatoes to feed itself but also exports surplus to the region."

The Potato Development Scheme, which stems from the Namibian Agronomic Board's crop development strategy and was also launched at the event, is not a permanent programme.

Instead, it serves as a supportive initiative to help farmers kick-start their production and realise their agricultural aspirations.

Gilbert Mulonda, General Manager of Agronomy and Horticulture Development, explained that "the scheme provides seeds, fertilisers, agrochemical capacity building, access to finance and market access. So, these are the provisions made for those participating in the scheme. In terms of the inputs, in the first year, the subsidy will be at 50%, and it's limited to a maximum of 2 hectares. We must start small and grow big."

The subsidy provided under the scheme will decrease from 50% during the initial planting to 20% for the second planting phase.

An annual allocation of N$5.5 million has been designated for the Potato Development Scheme, ensuring funding support for the next five years.

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