Maize harvesting at Ndonga Linena green scheme underway
Namibia’s Ndonga Linena Green Scheme became the first to harvest maize for the 2025 season, thanks to strategic reforms and tech investments. Yields hit 9.6 and 8.8 tonnes/ha, up from last year. The scheme expanded to 510ha, with ambitious 2026 plans for 680ha. Focused on sustainability, it showcases how innovation boosts productivity and national food security.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Nghituwamata said the scheme, as a key government-backed irrigation project, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first farm in Namibia to harvest maize for the 2025 cropping season.
According to Nghituwamata, this was successful following the implementation of a Cabinet Decision in 2023, which led to the termination of AgriBusDev’s management of green schemes and the subsequent mobilisation of funds to revitalise four crucial projects: Ndonga Linena, Sikondo, Etunda, and Vhungu-Vungu.
She says the scheme’s two 22ha centre pivot fields have yielded impressive results of 9.6 and 8.8 tonnes per hectare.
“This represents a substantial improvement over last year’s averages of 8.2 and 4.6 tonnes per hectare, a testament to significant investments in new technologies, precision equipment, and detailed soil analysis,” she says.
The ED says the ministry has been instrumental in supporting this progress through strategic investments in lime and organic materials, alongside the implementation of cover crops to enhance soil health.
Nghituwamata says this focus on sustainable practices aims to ensure the long-term productivity of the land.
Further, she says this season, the Ndonga Linena green scheme expanded its planted area to a total of 510ha, comprising 360ha of large-scale commercial plots and 150ha allocated to small-scale farmers.
Nghituwamata says this is a significant increase compared to the previous year, which saw only 88ha planted on commercial plots.
“Looking towards the 2026 season, the green scheme has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to cultivate 424ha for commercial plots, including 80ha designated for medium-scale farming,” she says.
Moreover, she indicates that an additional 176ha will be reserved for small-scale farmers, targeting a total of 680ha and a projected maize yield of 5 400 tonnes.
“This blend of technological innovation, sustainable practices, and strategic planning not only positions us as leaders in the Namibian agricultural sector but also emphasises our commitment to enhancing food security in the region and country at large,” she says.
With these advancements, Nghituwamata says the Ndonga Linena green scheme sets a powerful example of how sustainable agriculture and technological innovation can drive economic growth and strengthen Namibia’s food security.
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Source : Namibian
