Namibia Dairies Development Programme rewards farmers
Five local farmers each received three cows (heifers) and a fridge from Namibia Dairies in the presence of Hardap Regional Governor, Sophia Isaak who officiated and delivered the keynote address at the official hand-over ceremony which took place at Namib Dairies !Aimab Superfarm in Mariental last week.
The farmers were rewarded as part of its Farmers Development Programme aimed at diversifying the local farming community.
Following a strict selection process since the introduction of the development programme, with the objective of introducing local farmers to, and expanding dairy farming in the country, farmers were assigned to an induction course at Namibia Dairies Avis plant in Windhoek and the Superfarm during which they were exposed to the production of milk and other dairy products.
This was followed by last week’s event where the five farmers were donated the three cattle each and a fridge in support of kick-starting their dairy farming, valued at N$190,000.
Director: Agri-Business at Namibia Dairies, Borney Britz said, “I had the opportunity to visit the farms of each beneficiary and it was evident that all of them are very committed and hardworking, aiming towards ensuring that they become successful farmers. This gave us comfort, knowing that these animals will be taken great care of, to the success of the programme. The Farmers Development Programme is not only aimed at enriching the lives of these farmers but also to instill an interest towards Dairy Farming that would create a broader dairy farming community in Namibia.”
Isaak at the event said, “I am very delighted to witness this progressive intervention strategy invented by Namibia Dairies and Agribank. The expansion of milk produce to communal areas is indeed in line with the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP) in terms of food security. This noble project is evident of the collective responsibility of the public and private sector for the enhancement of the living conditions of our people. I will fail in my calling if I do not commend Agribank and Namibia Dairies for their involvement. It supports government’s tireless efforts to address many challenges facing our people. Keep it up as the corporate world is of critical importance in the advancement of our economy. To the beneficiaries: Don’t sell the cattle. Take the cows and farm milk. Be productive. It is now hard work. Take charge. Make a success out of this. This is your opportunity to diversify your farming practice from beef to milk produce. Milk is one of the healthiest products, so use this opportunity to the fullest.”
Namibia Dairies Managing Director, Gunther Ling said that the development programme that started about 6 months ago is the beginning of several similar programmes.
“I am confident that this contribution to uplifting not only the farming abilities of these farmers, their lives and that of their families, but that it will grow to have a great impact on the communities in which these farmers operate, thus contributing to the growth of Namibia’s economy at large,” Ling said
Regional Branch Manager for Agribank Mariental, Kaurika Putuaota expressed excitement in the programme, emphasizing on the potential it has to develop small scale farmers into diversity.
“We need more diversified farmers in Namibia, hence AgriBank has partnered up with Namibia Dairies and fully supports this program. We are also proud and very grateful for Namibia Dairies’ commitment to plough back in the community and invest in the future of our country. This program has great potential to enhance the farming fraternity,” he said.
The first beneficiaries of the programme include Inge and Obed Kaveterua from the Omaheke region; Bertha Mieze from the Otjozondjupa region; Wilhelmina Kauraisa, Susarra Mallet and Maria Paulus all from the Hardap region.
