Monday, January 30, 2012

Tomato Production: Erongo Region: A Preliminary Study

A Preliminary Study on the Feasibility of Tomato Production was prepared by the Agriculture Extension Office in Omaruru for consideration by the Erongo Regional Governor's Office. The document can be downloaded at:
https://www.box.net/shared/f91mifdsazhkl5jgpz5k 

It is a work in progress. Any inputs will be highly appreciated...!!!
Special acknowledgement: Ms. H Kapopo for compiling this document
Tomatoes under Drip Irrigation  in Angola

using collapsible drip pipes (Israeli Tech ...?) 




Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Namibia Agriculture Union Weekly Newsletter


WEEKLY NEWS – 20 January 2012
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: DON’T LIVE WITHOUT LAUGHING, BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LIVE FROM YOUR LAUGH

In today’s newsletter –
·         Executive Manager visits Deputy Prime Minister
·         SWAKARA stunners
·         FA and other news

Executive Manager visits Deputy Prime Minister
As part of the execution of the 2011 NAU Congress decision, the Executive Manager, MrSakkie Coetzee visited the Deputy Prime Minister this week. This visit was in connection with a project for the Hai //Om community near Oshivello about a farm in the vicinity to be developed as an irrigation and cattle farm to the advantage of the community.
The NAU is busy to identify projects which will result in economic growth in the agricultural sector and employment creation. Projects which comply with these criteria with regard to financial-, technical-, institutional- and economic viability, but which do not progress for any reason, are further investigated and obstacles for the execution of such projects are addressed. The above project is one of such projects which was discussed with the Minister of Lands in November 2011 and now also with the Deputy Prime Minister.
Tax refunds directly into bank account
The Ministry of Finance has announced that tax refunds can be paid directly into bank accounts. In order to facilitate this process, they need: bank details on all tax forms; provide prove that the bank account is in the name of the taxpayer (bank statement, cancelled cheque, etc) and in cases where the bank details changed, the respective Receiver of Revenue should be notified. For any further enquiries the following Revenue offices could be contacted: Windhoek 061 2092527; Walvis Bay 064 2086073/4/5; Otjiwarongo 067 300413/11; Keetmanshoop 063 2201097/085.
SWAKARA stunners
According to the Code of Practice all SWAKARA producers should use a stunner as from June 2012.   If producers are already in possession of an old one, please supply the Agra nr and the name of any other producer who uses the same stunner. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has approved a subsidy to all communal, resettled and Rehoboth SWAKARA producers with less than 300 SWAKARA sheep. In order to see whether the producer is on the list, the nearest Extension Officer can be contacted. To get this information, the Agra pelt number must be given.

Agra does not sell stunners, but they can be bought from the Karakul Board at manufacturing price. Producers can order stunners at the Agra branch where they deliver their pelts or at their extension officer. Producers have to ensure that all different pelt numbers which will be served by the specific stunner are listed on the form.To save transport costs, stunners will be delivered as soon as possible at the relevant Agra branch or extension office.Stunners will only be given to producers, once they have fully paid their contribution. The footswitch/solar panel is not part of the subsidy and has to be paid in full if the producer wants to order it. Each stunner has a serial number and this number will be registered against the producer’s pelt number/s. A registered stunner cannot be sold or donated to another producer without the prior approval of the Karakul Board. For any further enquiries contact Jenny Korner at Tel 061 237750, jennyk@agra.com.na.
Agricultural projects/activities in Namibia based on Israeli methods/technology
The Ambassador to the State of Israel, His Excellency Dan Shaham, enquired about the existence of any agricultural projects/ activities in Namibia that are based on Israeli methods/technology.  His Excellency will bring an official visit to Namibia in February 2012 and wishes to visit any such agricultural projects/activities during this time.  The reason for the visit is, among others, to strengthen relations and to investigate possible cooperation & assistance with regards to agricultural production.
If you have any information in this regard, kindly contact Rina Hough at the office of the Namibia Agricultural Union at 061-237838 or e-mail rina@agrinamibia.com.na
Meatco Inter FA braai competition
The 2012 Meatco Inter Farmers Association braai competition will be held on March 31, 2012 at the Keetmanshoop Show Grounds. The theme is “//karas” (which means Kokerboom). Exhibitors can book their exhibition space now already. Exhibition space can be booked with Antoinette Oosthuysen,  Tel 063 683433, antoinetteoosthuysen@iway.na. To enter braai teams – FA and social, contact Brenda Kotze, Tel 063 281208, Kalahari@iway.na and any other information can be obtained from Willem Steenkamp, Tel 063 280655, toulon@iway.na. Entry forms and rules as well as the program can be obtained on the NAU website under the following links:
Forms and rules:
Program:

NSBA Meat production school
The Namibia Stud Breeders Association is hosting a meat production school from March 13 – 15, 2012 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek Showgrounds. On March 13 a welcome function will be held at the Safari Hotel at 19:00 and will be opened by the Minister of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Mr John Mutorwa. On March 14 & 15 the program each starts at 08:00. The ladies program is on March 14 and will be from 14:00 – 17:00 and the gala evening is on March 14 at 19:00 at the Safari Hotel. Speakers at the school will be Messrs R E F Rusch, PoenaPotgieter, Prof F W Neser, Dr H Dreyer, Brian Finkley (UK) Walter Roodt, Leon Lubbe, Dr M Bradfield, Martin Ferreira, Bertus Kruger, Mr Kellerman and Francois de Chalain. The summary will be done by the chairperson of the NSBA, MrRyno van der Merwe. Registration fee for the full school is N$850 per person whereby meals and material are included. A one day attendance will be N$430 per person whereby meals and material are included. The fee for the ladies program is N$250 per person whereby coffee and cake is included and the speaker at the ladies program is RiaanMomberg who talks about Efekto in and around the house. Further details from MrEls, Tel 061 235158, Jacque@iway.na. Entry forms and the program are available at the NSBA or can be downloaded from the NAU website at -
Entry form:
Program:
Meatco information days
Following a submission by consultants about the new Meatco structure in December last year, Meatco decided to host Road Shows in order to inform producers. These Road Shows will take place on the following days:
23 Januaryat 09:00 in the NG church hall, Grootfontein; 24 Januaryat 09:00 at the Trade Fair hall, Okakarara; 25 January at 09:00 at the Paresis Show hall, Otjiwarongo; 26 Januaryat 09:00 at the Community hall, Khorixas; 27 January at 09:00 at theOmaruru Rest Camp, Omaruru; 13 Februaryat 09:00 at  the Opuwo Community Centre, Opuwo; 14 Februaryat 11:00 at the Oshakati Country Hotel, Oshakati; 15 Februaryat 12:00 at the Regional Council Auditorium, Rundu; 16 Februaryat 12:00 at the Old Legislative Community Hall, KatimaMulilo. For further details and to register please contact the following persons: Grootfontein: AmoréEls 067 242968; Okakarara: Madonna Katupose 067 317689; OtjiwarongoandKhorixas: Louise Vermeulen 067 302172; Omaruru: Rivonia !Omes 062 505741; Opuwo, OshakatiandRundu: Patrick Liebenberg 065 220241; KatimaMulilo: ObedKatuura 066 253662.
FA and other news
Bethanie FA is holding a meeting on January 26 at 17:00 at the Bethanie Guesthouse. For further details contact Ina de Klerk, Tel 063 683521, ina.deklerk@gmail.com.
Kaiserstreet FA is hosting an information day on January 26 at 09:00 at the church hall of the NG Church, Windhoek West, Goshawk Str, Hochland Park, Windhoek. The theme is „Wealth, the coin side of debt – leverage to wealth“ and the Master of Ceremonies is Mr Mike Strohman. Speakers are Arthur Kamp, Prof Diescho, Prof Johan van Rooyen, Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, DrDawieBlignaut and André Diederichs. The fee is N$100 per person which includes a light meal. For further details contact RiaanLaubscher, Tel 081 1220058, riaan3@mweb.com.na.
Karibib FA is holding a meeting on March 3 at 17:00 at Kaltenhausen. For further details contact MrPolla Swart, Tel 061 241191.
Dordabis FA is holding a meeting on February 9 at 14:00 at the FA hall. Guest speaker is the Governor of the region, Mr S Nuuyoma. Further details from Mrs Christine Romeis, Tel 061 231230, cwromeis@iway.na.

MEATBOARD Herbicide (Bosdoder): Order Early to Prevent Disappointment

The MEATBOARD  still have Tebuthiuron (liquid) at N$ 139.90/liter and Bromacil (powder) at N$ 126.15/kg.

Farmers are requested to place their orders early to prevent disappointment. Ms. Andeline Katana is the contact person. Her telephone number is 061 275839 

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

THE LOSS OF A GIANT: ERONGO REGION IN MOURNING

Erongo region is in mourning with the passing of an inspirational leader. Chief Christian Eerike Zeraeua from the Zeraeua Royal House died on the 8th of January 2012 at the age of 78 years. He was an inspirational leader with a humble approach. His leadership and contribution towards socio-economic development in Erongo region will be sincerely missed. He was buried in Omaruru on the 22 nd of January 2012

The staff from the Ministry of Agriculture in Erongo region expresses its sincere condolences and utmost sympathy to the Zeraeua Royal House and the Zeraeua family with the loss of a beloved father and leader.

Good memories: Chief Christian Eerike Zeraeua on the right handing over trees to the school in Omatjette during the Omatjette Farmers day in October 2011
  

Friday, January 20, 2012

Namibia Agriculture Union


WEEKLY NEWS – 13 January 2012
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: THE GREATEST JOY IN OUR LIFE ARE THE SMALL RAYS OF SUNSHINE WHICH FALL ON OUR WAY EACH DAY
In today’s newsletter –
·         Welcome back
·         New outbreak of foot-and-mouth in South Africa keeps border closed
·         Questionnaire about details of farms for land tax
·         New SSC Commissioners
·         FA and other news

Welcome back
2012 did not start for many producers with the same highlight as 2011 with regard to rain, but we trust that the forecast by the weather prophets will come true and that this season from February to April will be an above average rainy season.

We trust that all members had a welcome rest and restored their strength for 2012. We reckon that again numerous challenges will await us this year and trust that the joint power of the NAU will cope with these challenges.

We took note with regret of the deaths of Mr Matthias Dohmen of Grootfontein as well as MrEkkehardKülbs of Dordabis. Both these members made their marks in the agricultural sector, even though at a relatively young age. Our deepest sympathy to the families of these members.

2012 is also the last year of the current president,MrRyno van der Merwe and a new president will have to be elected during the congress in October. The president of the NAU represents the image of the NAU and we hope that you will start now already to search for a capable candidate for this most important position.

New outbreak of foot-and-mouth in South Africa keeps border closed
A new outbreak of foot-and-mouth adjacent to the border of the Kruger Game Parkin South Africa resulted that the border for import of livestock and livestock products from South Africa is still closed. The Directorate of Veterinary Services will monitor the situation and we will inform you immediately once the border is opened again.

Questionnaire about details of farms for land tax
Numerous enquiries about the questionnaire for details for land tax purposes which was published on November 15, 2011 in the Government Gazette were received. This questionnaire still has to be sent officially to land owners by the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement and thus does not have to be completed at this stage. In terms of the Act this questionnaire has to be returned by January 30, 2012 but this date has been postponed for the time being until further notice.


Agricultural projects/activities in Namibia based on Israeli methods/technology
The Ambassador to the State of Israel, His Excellency Dan Shaham, enquired about the existence of any agricultural projects/ activities in Namibia that are based on Israeli methods/technology.  His Excellency will bring an official visit to Namibia in February 2012 and wishes to visit any such agricultural projects/activities during this time.  The reason for the visit is, among others, to strengthen relations and to investigate possible cooperation & assistance with regards to agricultural production.
If you have any information in this regard, kindly contact Rina Hough at the office of the Namibia Agricultural Union at 061-237838 or e-mail rina@agrinamibia.com.na
New SSC Commissioners
We have been advised that appointments to the new Board of the Social Security Commission have been gazetted in Government Gazette No. 4859, Notice No. 237.
The representatives nominated by the employers (NEF) are:
Mr. Derek Wright (also Vice-Chairman of the AEA)
Mr.HofniShikongo
Mrs. Evelyn Breuer.

We congratulate these members and thank them for their commitment, wishing them every success for the next three years.
Meatco information days
Following a submission by consultants about the new Meatco structure in December last year, Meatco decided to host Road Shows in order to inform producers. These Road Shows will take place on the following days:
16 January at 18:00 at the hall of the Catholic Church, MandumeNdemufayoStr, Windhoek; 17 January at 09:00 at the Goba Lodge, Gobabis; 18 January at 09:00 at the hall of the Catholic Church, MandumeNdemufayoStr, Windhoek; 19 January at 09:00 at the Anandi Guesthouse, Mariental; 20 January at 09:00 at the hall of the Catholic Church, MandumeNdemufayoStr, Windhoek. Further dates in other regions will be announced in due course. For further details and to register contact Erica Mbaundja (for Windhoek and Mariental) at Tel 061 3216034 and Rene Bezuidenhout (for Gobabis) at Tel 062 562091.
NSBA Meat production school
The Namibia Stud Breeders Association is hosting a meat production school from March 13 – 15, 2012 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek Showgrounds. On March 13 a welcome function will be held at the Safari Hotel at 19:00 and will be opened by the Minister of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Mr John Mutorwa. On March 14 & 15 the program each starts at 08:00. The ladies program is on March 14 and will be from 14:00 – 17:00 and the gala evening is on March 14 at 19:00 at the Safari Hotel. Speakers at the school will be Messrs R E F Rusch, PoenaPotgieter, Prof F W Neser, Dr H Dreyer, Brian Finkley (UK) Walter Roodt, Leon Lubbe, Dr M Bradfield, Martin Ferreira, Bertus Kruger, Mr Kellerman and Francois de Chalain. The summary will be done by the chairperson of the NSBA, MrRyno van der Merwe. Registration fee for the full school is N$850 per person whereby meals and material are included. A one day attendance will be N$430 per person whereby meals and material are included. The fee for the ladies program is N$250 per person whereby coffee and cake is included and the speaker at the ladies program is RiaanMomberg who talks about Efekto in and around the house. Further details from MrEls, Tel 061 235158, Jacque@iway.na. Entry forms are available at the NSBA or can be downloaded from the NAU website at http://www.agrinamibia.com.na/index.php?module=TimeIt&func=event&id=457.
FA and other news
Kaiserstreet FA is hosting an information day on January 26 at 09:00 at the church hall of the NG Church, Windhoek West, Goshawk Str, Hochland Park, Windhoek. The theme is „Wealth, the coin side of debt – leverage to wealth“ and the Master of Ceremonies is Mr Mike Strohman. Speakers are Arthur Kamp, Prof Diescho, Prof Johan van Rooyen, Prof Herman van Schalkwyk, DrDawieBlignaut and André Diederichs. The fee is N$100 per person which includes a light meal. For further details contact RiaanLaubscher, Tel 081 1220058, riaan3@mweb.com.na.
The 2012 Meatco Inter Farmers Association braai competition will be held on March 31, 2012 at the Keetmanshoop Show Grounds. The theme is “//karas” (which means Kokerboom). Exhibitors can book their exhibition space now already. Entries for the braai teams close on February 15, 2011. Further details for the booking of stands can be obtained from Antoinette Oosthuysen,  Tel 063 683433, antoinetteoosthuysen@iway.na. To enter braai teams – FA and social, contact Brenda Kotze, Tel 063 281208, Kalahari@iway.na and any other information can be obtained from Willem Steenkamp, Tel 063 280655, toulon@iway.na.
Karibib FA is holding a meeting on March 3 at 17:00 at Kaltenhausen. For further details contact MrPolla Swart, Tel 061 241191.





Thursday, January 5, 2012

Best wishes for 2012

Best wishes for 2012 to all Agri Alert followers. I hope you are well rested and ready to once again contribute towards Agriculture Development in Namibia during 2012.

I spend my holidays in Angola and was surprised in the way they successfully embraced Israeli drip Irrigation technology. More on that later...

Those who are interested can access my short holiday video (mpeg4) in Angola at: http://youtu.be/Fm47QS5mKzc

In the picture below Omaruru Agriculture staff (and Mr. Humphries from the Southern Division) saying good-buy to 2011at a year end function on the 30th of November 2011