By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, July 11 – In a disheartening turn of events, the Ministry of Agriculture has once again returned millions of dollars to the treasury while farmers continue to face hardships due to inadequate support. Earlier this year, it was revealed that a staggering 98 percent of fresh produce is still being imported from neighbouring countries, primarily South Africa, highlighting the need for local agricultural development.
In its latest setback, the Ministry returned a substantial amount of N$98 million to the treasury. This money could have been utilized to address pressing issues such as farmer training, procurement of new vehicles to replace the ageing fleet, and renovation of dilapidated buildings, especially in the regions. Notably, a few years ago, the Northern Electricity Distributor (Nored) was forced to disconnect power to some of the Ministry’s buildings in Kavango East due to non-payment.
A staff member based in Katima Mulilo, who preferred to remain anonymous due to media restrictions, disclosed that the current fleet of vehicles is outdated, hindering their ability to effectively carry out their duties. “We are sharing vehicles, which means that in a month, I can only access a vehicle for two days. Our work requires us to be in the field 80 percent of the time and carry out administrative tasks for the remaining 20 percent. However, due to the shortage of vehicles, we are now confined to our offices and unable to carry out fieldwork,” they lamented.
This unfortunate incident adds to the growing list of government ministries and agencies returning funds to the treasury. In 2022 alone, a total of N$400 million was returned, with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development being the main culprit. This ministry oversees local authorities that struggle to deliver basic services due to a lack of financial resources.
The repeated return of funds raises concerns about the government’s ability to effectively allocate and utilize resources for the benefit of its citizens. As farmers grapple with limited support and the agriculture sector continues to face challenges, the necessary investments must be made to bolster local production and reduce reliance on imported goods.
The agriculture department must urgently address the existing gaps and prioritize the needs of farmers by allocating funds for training programs, updating their vehicle fleet, and ensuring the proper maintenance of infrastructure. It is only through these concerted efforts that the agricultural sector can flourish, contributing to economic growth and food security for the nation.
As farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector eagerly await concrete action from the government, the plight of those who put food on our tables remains a pressing concern. The return of millions to the treasury underscores the need for a more robust and supportive agricultural framework that empowers farmers and propels the nation towards self-sufficiency. – Namibia Daily News
