Africa-Press – Namibia. The commercial farm of the Sikondo government irrigation project is currently harvesting potatoes from a 10-hectare field.
They expect to yield between 400 and 500 tonnes, generating revenue of over N$4 million.
Situated at the eastern edge of the Kavango West Region under the Mbunza Traditional Authority, the Sikondo irrigation farm continues to strengthen its role in local food production and employment.
“We’re looking at yields of 40 to 50 tonnes per hectare. Hopefully, after final calculations, we’ll reach around 50 tonnes per hectare. While harvesting this crop, we’ve already planted the next batch of potatoes in early July, which we expect to harvest in early December,” said the farm’s manager, Maxwell Nghidinwa.
He said the potatoes are of premium quality, with retailers expressing satisfaction and placing large orders.
“Our potatoes are selling like vetkoek. From the field, they go straight to the warehouse for cleaning, sorting and packing before being dispatched to buyers,” he stated.
Currently, the farm is packaging the potatoes in three size categories – small, medium and large.
Nghidinwa noted that medium-sized potatoes are the preferred option for most consumers.
Wholesalers and retailers favour the larger ones.
The harvest has created employment for over 70 casual workers, who are engaged in picking, sorting and packing.
This offers temporary income for villagers in Sikondo and surrounding areas.
In addition to potatoes, the project is also harvesting cabbages planted under shade nets on a 1.25-hectare plot.
Other crops currently growing include wheat, tomatoes and watermelons.
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