Africa-Press – Namibia. THE governor of the Omaheke region, Pio Nganate, has challenged farmers in the region to take advantage of the financial packages that Agribank offers, in order to add value to the industry.
Nganate said this in a speech read on his behalf by the acting chief regional officer for Omaheke, Ephat Tjijenda, at the official opening of the new Agribank branch at Gobabis on Friday.
“I urge farmers to add value to the livestock sector through Agribank by engaging in local meat processing. Witvlei abattoir is one such example that farmers should see as a business opportunity for engagement.”
The governor also urged the bank to assist entrepreneurs in diversifying the regional economy from mainstream livestock production to crop cultivation.
“The region, through local entrepreneurs, should serve products such as meat and vegetables directly to the market and public institutions.
“Therefore, farmers and entrepreneurs should make use of the facilities and products designed by the bank to the maximum,” he said.
Nganate said Omaheke has a competitive advantage in that the region has the lion’s share in the livestock sector, and should not only look to dominate the sector as an employer but also in terms of the number of livestock in production and circulating in the market on a monthly basis.
He urged the bank to increase its visibility in the region through outreach programmes as well as shortening the period it takes for a loan to be approved.
