National Youth Service to Plant Crops on 10,000 Hectares of State Land

Strategic Insights -

The National Youth Service (NYS) is planning to embark on a massive agricultural project, with the intention of planting crops on 10,000 hectares of State land along the Orange River at Noordoewer. According to Youth Minister Pohamba Shifeta, the project's first phase will receive a budgetary provision of N$10 million, with work set to begin soon once land ownership transfer agreements are completed. This initiative aims to benefit the country's youth by providing them with job opportunities and skills in agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Youth Service plans to plant crops on 10,000 hectares of State land along the Orange River at Noordoewer, with the initial phase set to cost N$10 million.
  • A feasibility study and soil testing have been completed, and preparations for land cultivation and irrigation system installation are expected to start soon.
  • The transfer of ownership of the State land to NYS has been delayed, with the minister stating that an ownership dispute with community members in the Kavango Region recently forced the NYS to abandon a maize cultivation project.
  • The project aims to first develop 1,000 hectares and grow a variety of crops, with plans to expand operations in all 13 regions.
  • The National Youth Service plans to hire youth to work on the project, providing them with job opportunities and skills in agriculture.
  • Youth Minister Pohamba Shifeta emphasized the importance of resolving the land ownership dispute to ensure the project's success.
  • The project is expected to have a significant impact on the country's agricultural sector and provide opportunities for the youth to develop their skills.

Statistics:

  • 10,000 hectares of State land will be used for crop cultivation along the Orange River at Noordoewer.
  • The initial phase of the project will receive a budgetary provision of N$10 million.
  • 1,000 hectares will be developed during the first phase, with plans to expand operations in all 13 regions.
  • The project aims to grow a variety of crops, providing the youth with job opportunities and skills in agriculture.
  • NYS was forced to abandon a maize cultivation project in the Kavango Region due to an ownership dispute with community members.

Sources:

  • The Namibian
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)