Africa-Press – Namibia. OKONGO – Nearly N$500 000 was raised during the Omaludi Agricultural Festival gala dinner held at the Okongo Village Council on Saturday in the Ohangwena region.
The event raised a total of N$497 200, with Hangala Group as the top contributor, pledging N$50 000. The Omaludi Agricultural Festival brings farmers together to showcase cattle, compete on livestock quality and size, and demonstrate effective grazing practices.
It also showcases crops, livestock and farming techniques, while promoting food production, rural development and knowledge-sharing among farmers.
The festival has become one of the flagship annual events of the Okongo Village Council
This year’s festival is scheduled for 25 to 30 May in Okongo and is expected to attract more than 110 exhibitors and over 5 000 visitors. Held under the theme ‘Agriculture and Tourism for Sustainable Economic Growth’, the event seeks to highlight how collaboration can help shape the future.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is the patron of the festival. Although she could not attend the gala dinner due to other commitments, she delegated deputy environment, forestry and tourism minister Anselm Marungu to represent her.
Addressing the gathering, Marungu said the Omaludi Festival has become a source of pride and a beacon of unity, where communities share practices aimed at preserving heritage and traditional knowledge systems.
“To this day, this festival has grown into a beacon of hope and a platform where farmers, businesses, innovators and policymakers meet to share ideas, create opportunities and drive development for the prosperity of Okongo and Namibia as a whole,” he said.
He added that the festival has become a platform for farmers to showcase their livestock and produce, while potentially serving as a gateway to national and international markets.
“I encourage you to invest in modern farming techniques and build networks that can become growth points for your businesses. It is also imperative that we take cognizance of the harsh realities of global warming and focus on crops resilient to ever-changing conditions,” he urged.
Marungu said young people can also help address unemployment through innovation.
“The youth should bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern agricultural technology,” he said.
He stressed that the success of the festival depends on all stakeholders.
“Government must continue supporting rural initiatives. I also urge the private sector to invest in sustainable agriculture and tourism that support communities through meaningful and practical collaboration,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Efraim Shipindo, chairperson of the Ohangwena Regional Council and councillor for Okongo constituency, said the festival plays a significant role in promoting agricultural production in the region.
He described it as an important platform that brings farmers together to market their produce, while also providing opportunities for the local business community to exhibit products and services.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
