21 Feb 2017

Ghanzi district has as much potential for arable agriculture as it does for livestock faming, says the area’s district agricultural coordinator, Ms Mariam Munamava.

Ms Munamava said in an interview that her ministry had begun to take notice of the development contrary to the old belief that the area was only good for livestock production.

She thus expects a bumper harvest throughout the district this season thanks to the current good rains.

“Even though we welcome the rains, they also bring along problems such as pests and weeds. The torrential rains have also delayed planting due to water logging,” she said.

A total of 714 farmers have ploughed throughout the district as compared to 529 last year, Ms Munamava said, pointing out that shortage of tractors remained a concern though.

Ghanzi district has the potential for horticulture too, said the agricultural scientist, adding that there was room for fruit planting especially oranges and grapes. BOPA