NNN hails green scheme gains amid food security push

Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has welcomed improved agricultural production at government-supported green schemes, describing the progress as a positive step toward strengthening national food security and rural economic development. The president made the remarks during her visit to the Shadikongoro and Ndonga Linena green schemes in the Kavango East Region on Tuesday, where farm managers reported increased crop yields and improved operational performance compared to previous seasons. At the Shadikongoro Green Scheme, assistant farm manager Lima Kativa told the president that despite exceptionally heavy rainfall experienced during the current season, the project had recorded encouraging results.

Kativa said the sunflower crop had already been successfully harvested, while expectations remain high for a strong maize harvest in the coming weeks. Management also revealed plans to diversify production during the next planting season through the cultivation of watermelon, pumpkin, cabbage and butternut in an effort to expand the scheme’s agricultural output. While all center pivots are currently operational, management highlighted aging and inadequate farming equipment as one of the major obstacles limiting the scheme’s full production potential.