The harvest season marks a
significant milestone for the
government-backed Ndonga
Linena Green scheme irrigation
project, which is the first to start
harvesting maize in Namibia. As
of Monday, their operations were
already in full swing and will continue
over the next few weeks, with
two centre pivot fields, each covering
22 hectares, having delivered
impressive yields of 9.6 and 8.8 tons
per hectare.
This harvests marked improvement
over last year’s averages of 8.2
and 4.6 tons, attributed to major
investment in new technologies,
precision equipment, and detailed
soil analysis.
Through the support of the Ministry
of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries
and Land Reform (MAWFLR),
the project made substantial investments
in lime and organic materials,
in addition to the strategic use
of cover crops, to boost soil health
and ensure long-term productivity.
For this season (2025), they
planted a total of 510 hectares of
which 360 hectares were on largescale
(commercial) plots while the
cultivation of 150 hectares took
place on small-scale plots, setting
the stage for above-average yields.
“In a further bid to support Namibia’s
food basket, we are expecting
to harvest about 3000 tons of
maize. Most of this maize will be
directed to the Agro-Marketing
Trade Agency (AMTA), with additional
supplies going to a few private
millers in the area,” said Farm
Manager, Janno Rental.
Looking ahead, the project’s
ambitious plans for next season
include expanding their cultivated
area to 424 hectares on commercial
plots, with 80 hectares earmarked
for medium-scale plots, while 176
hectares of small-scale plots are reserved
for a combined total of 680
hectares, with a targeted total yield
of 5400 tons of maize.
“This blend of technological innovation,
sustainable practices,
and strategic planning not only
positions us as leaders in the Namibian
agricultural sector but also
emphasizes our commitment to
enhancing food security in the region
and country at large,” Rental
highlighted.
Executive Director in the MAWFLR,
Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata
expressed excitement as she hailed
government’s investment efforts to
boost food security and sovereignty,
adding that the farm managers
and small scale have farmers have
shown consistency in improving
their yields as compared to previous
years.
“We are very proud of our farmers,
especially our farm managers.
Ndonga Linena, is the first among
green schemes in neighbouring
regions to harvest maize this cropping
season. We will continue to
improve and capacitate the green
schemes on accelerated speed.
Last year, Ndonga Linena only
cultivated 88 hectares of land, but
because of investments in the soil
and equipment, which were really
lacking for some years now, they
have moved from 88 to 360 hectares,”
she said.`