Africa-Press – Namibia. MINISTER of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi has confirmed that the re-establishment of the Mashare Agriculture Development Institute (Madi) as an agricultural college is underway.
“Most of the necessary steps have already been completed,” she said during a visit to the Vhungu-Vhungu green scheme on Monday, where she accompanied prime minister Elijah Ngurare.
Her confirmation follows an appeal by Rundu Rural constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu, who urged the government to accelerate the process.
Zaamwani-Kamwi said the first student intake for level 2 and level 3 agricultural certificates is expected to begin in January.
Madi, located in the Mashare Constituency, was originally established in 1976 as an agricultural college before it became the Mashare Irrigation Centre in 2000.
The institute began supporting small-scale irrigation farming in 2005, and its core functions include the preservation of livestock breeds and seed production to enhance regional food security.
Mbangu also called for the establishment of a seed processing plant at Madi, highlighting its original purpose.
“This institution was meant to process seeds, but that function is not being carried out. Seeds are currently sent to Omahenene for processing, and very little is returned,” he said.
He stressed the importance of local seed processing to retain value and reduce post-harvest losses.
In addition, Mbangu proposed the establishment of a fertiliser factory in the region to enable communal farmers to maximise agricultural production at the household level.
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