Africa-Press – Namibia. THE minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, has expressed concern over superstitious people, who are spreading untruths and misinformation about the Etunda asparagus plantation.
“The agitators claim that the weather station equipment at the plantation reduces the chances of rain in the region and that the asparagus plants themselves have a negative impact on rain,” he said when he presented agricultural equipment to farmers on Saturday.
The equipment was procured by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform through the Namibia Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Project. The event was held at farmer Teopolina Hanhele’s homestead in the Oshana region.
“These allegations are totally unfounded and border on ridiculousness. The world over, there are millions of weather stations with similar equipment in use and there is no scientific evidence that weather stations have a negative impact on rain patterns.
“In fact, without weather stations we are deprived of measuring and predicting weather, which is crucial for many aspects of our lives and livelihoods, especially in agriculture,” he said.
Asparagus is a perennial flowering plant species whose young shoots are used as a spring vegetable. Schlettwein said the asparagus plants need more water than is available through rain. That is why it is irrigated to improve production.
“We have an investment in agricultural production, which created over 800 jobs, and it earns Namibia significant foreign currency through its exports. Last but not least, it produces food.”
The minister said asparagus is enhancing the agricultural sector, as it engages the whole value chain, from production to consumption, with most of the links and the commensurate benefits being in Namibia.
“It is indeed doing what we have agreed in our Growth at Home industrialisation strategy. It is a good investment and it is giving benefits to our economy.
“We must stop destroying what is good for us. We must stop this ridiculous misinformation; it is harmful to our people. We risk putting into jeopardy more than 800 jobs.
“I fully support the efforts of governor (Erginus) Endjala to ensure that this matter is put to rest and that we can continue with food production at Etunda,” said Schlettwein.
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