WINDHOEK, July 23 — Namibia has committed to expanding large-scale farming land and increasing the value of strategic crop exports to enhance food security, bolster the agro-industry, and increase rural incomes by 2030 as part of its new national development plan.
Known as the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), the plan was launched Monday by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to guide economic and social policies from 2025 to 2030.
According to the plan, the government will increase the area under large-scale crop production from 11,200 hectares in 2024 to 130,000 hectares by 2030, a key part of a broader effort to modernize agriculture and increase the country’s resilience to climate change.
The policy also sets a target to raise the value of strategic crop exports from 1.9 billion Namibian dollars (about 107.9 million U.S. dollars) to 2.8 billion Namibian dollars over the same period.
In addition to expanding cultivated land, the government aims to enhance value chains by investing in irrigation systems, agro-processing facilities, and logistics infrastructure.
The NDP6 also prioritizes research and innovation in crop production, including climate-resilient seed varieties and modern farming techniques, particularly in northern communal areas where food insecurity remains high.
Government support will focus on strategic commodities such as maize, wheat, mahangu (pearl millet), horticulture, and oilseeds, with an emphasis on both domestic food production and export potential, according to the plan.
Agriculture remains a key part of Namibia‘s economy, providing jobs for about one in five individuals. Through the NDP6, the country is expected to make farming more productive and sustainable. (Xinhua)
