Champion mahangu farmers announced

The champion mahangu growers for this season are to be announced at the National Mahangu Field Day held at Farm Oshamakaka near Omaimbi where National Mahangu Grand Champion, Pinehas Nambandi is the proud farmer. The purpose of having the National Mahangu Field Day on the farm of the winning producer is so that farmers and stakeholders can interact and learn from each other, share information on different skills, knowledge and technologies applied so that more farmers can use that information to improve their own crops. Once nominated, farmers are visited by a Regional Team that comprises representatives from AMTA, technicians of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and representatives from their Farmer’s Union.

Altogether, 12 farmers receive recognition for their efforts of producing maximum crop yields in their regions. Regional Champion Awards are awarded to 6 farmers – one in each producing region – who cultivate between 5ha and 10ha, have the resources to implement improved technologies and techniques and produce an average of between 0.8 and 1.2 ton/ha. These producers are also in a position to sell a portion of their surplus grain into the commercial supply chain. The winners in this category are Ms. Catherine Sikanda from Kabbe in Zambezi; Mr. Thiremo Thikerete from Ghamarao in Kavango East; Ms. Veronikwa Hanga from Oshipala in Ohangwena, Mr. Marius Shetunyenga from Onakankunzi in Oshikoto; Mr. David Amkiita from Opeleka in Oshana and Mr. Andreas Shaanika from Elondo West in Omusati. The finalists who cultivate more than 10ha are Mr. Christopher Kasuka from Kasheshe in Zambezi; Mr. Lukas Mbangu from Katjinakatji in Kavango West; Ms. Hendrina David from Ekoka in Ohangwena; Mr. Pinehas Nambandi from Oshamakaka in Oshikoto; Mr. Shigwedha Shinyemba from Oshitowa in Oshana and Mr. Heikki Amakali from Onandjandja in Omusati.