Schlettwein says plans to move the Red Line further north

Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein announced plans to move the veterinary alert line, or red line, further north.

“We have one disease-free zone and one non-disease-free zone, but our aim is to make this zone disease-free as soon as possible,” the minister said.

“We have already started taking the next step to move some of the veterinary fence further north — not exactly to the border between Namibia and Angola, but to include areas that have been free of foot-and-mouth disease for many years,” Schlettwein said at the official opening of the Aminuis Agricultural Show, referring to foot-and-mouth disease.

“Through this initiative, we expect that all farmers in these regions will benefit from access to these lucrative markets,” he said.

“In addition, farmers in affected areas will still have market access through existing commodity trade and receive equal pricing for their products, thanks to the development of a government-backed price balancing fund,” Schlettwein added.

Vaccination campaign

Schlettwein confirmed that the Ministry of Health has so far invested over N80 million in the vaccination campaign against the recent outbreak of Lumpy Dermatitis, purchasing vaccines and equipment.

He said foot-and-mouth disease vaccination efforts continued in the northern commons, with more than 80 per cent of cattle in the region now vaccinated.

Schlettwein pointed out that Namibia is the only country in Africa that has access not only to the EU market, but also to the Chinese, American, Arab and African markets.

Schlettwein believes this multiple market access is possible because of a fully functional veterinary system that protects animals from disease.

Drought mode

Schletwein also discussed how the ministry developed and finalized the modalities for livestock marketing incentives and livestock feed and seed subsidies during droughts.

Seeds and fertilizers will be sold at subsidized prices as per the model of the Dryland Production Programme 2024-25.

“A total of N25 million has been allocated for the purchase of seeds and fertilizers, and another N25 million for the purchase of feed.”

Seed subsidies

The minister said consultations have been held with the districts to address the needs for the 2024-25 rainy season.

“A total of 348 tonnes of mahangu, 59 tonnes of sorghum, 73.7 tonnes of black-eyed peas, 121 tonnes of maize and three tonnes of forage seeds are required in these areas.”

Schlettwein said the Ministry of Agriculture has stored 13.5 metric tons of mahangu seeds and 5 metric tons of maize at the Mahnene Research Station and expects to produce 50 metric tons of mahangu seeds in the 2024-25 rainy season.

“It is necessary to procure the shortfall of 284.5 tonnes of mahangu, 59 tonnes of sorghum, 73.7 tonnes of black-eyed peas, 116 tonnes of maize and 3 tonnes of forage seeds.”

A total of N20 million has been allocated for seed subsidies under the 2024-25 drought relief measures.

Feed Subsidy

Schletwein said the ministry also procured 52,500 bales of alfalfa, 37,000 bales of hay (grass, crop residues), 980 bags of molasses powder and 52,500 bags of salt blocks as part of drought relief measures.

“The implementation plan involves delivering most of the supplies to the various agricultural development centres, as requested by the regional councils. A total of N$15 million has been allocated for feed subsidies.”

He said the funds would be disbursed based on regional needs and the subsidies would be administered by regional councils.

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