Green schemes dispute maize price statistics
Winfred Metzger, operator of the Musese Green Scheme, has challenged Namibia Statistics Agency’s claim that Khomas offered the cheapest maize meal last month. He says local green schemes sell maize more affordably, with sifted maize at N$11/kg and unsifted at N$10/kg. Metzger called NSA data “misleading” and emphasized green schemes’ role in ensuring food security and community upliftment.
The private operator of the Musese Green Scheme in the Kavango West region, Winfred Metzger, has disputed recent claims by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) that last month consumers in the Khomas region got the best deal, paying only N$69.75 for a 5kg bag of maize meal.
In its latest Statistics update released on 8 April, the NSA said the situation was different in zone 1 and zone 3 of the country’s three maize producing regions.
According to the agency, in zone 1 consumers paid N$78.66 for the same bag and in zone 3, prices went up to a hefty N$82.19.
Zone 1 consists of the Kunene, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango West, Kavango East and Otjozondjupa regions while zone 2 consists of the Khomas region. Zone 3 consists of the Erongo, Hardap, Omaheke and //Kharas regions.
However, Metzger has disputed the NSA’s claims. He said recently that the Musese Green Scheme sells unsifted maize at N$10 per kilogramme and sifted maize at N$11 per kilogramme. The Etunda Green Scheme, he said, sells unsifted maize at N$8 per kilogramme.
He said their shopkeepers keep an eye on prices in all big retailers.
“What the NSA is publishing is not true and is misleading,” said Metzger.
Inaugurated in 1977, the Musese Green Scheme currently has about 105 employees and hires about 200 temporary employees to assist with other activities.
Metzger said while green schemes should primarily strive to achieve food security, the second goal is to plough benefits back into the community and educate future generations, ensuring that Namibia has farmers in the future.
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Source : Namibian
