Lack of formal markets: a greater concern for Olushandja farmers.
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ased in Omusati region, Epalela constituency, the Olushandja Horticulture Producers Association (OHPA) consists of farmers that grows tomatoes, green beans, butternuts, cabbage, lettuce,
onions, green pepper, carrots, water melons, pumpkins and chillies. Although they produce these items in great numbers, securing a formal market where they can sell their produce is very
difficult for these farmers. They often sell their produce to informal markets which is not fully reliable, and sometimes they are forced to seat at home, watching their products rotting. Sylvanus Naunyango, Chairperson of OHPA made an appeal to the agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein to find formal local markets for their fresh produce. The appeal was made to the minister during his recent visit to Oshana, Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions. Naunyango requested the minister to help them find secure formal markets through public institutions. According to Naunyango, the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) has tried finding a market for the farmers through local retailers however this couldn`t materialise as retailers already buys from established local producers and also import into the country. Schlettwein told the association that there is a directive that state – owned enterprises, ministries, prisons, school and regional councils, should source produce locally. “That directive must be implemented. We will push it very hard”, he said. Naunyango also raised the issue of pests destroying their produce especially tomatoes. He appealed for the ministry to deploy more agricultural extension officers to help fight the pest. Members of OHPA are sometimes forced to seat at home, watching their products rotting as there are no formal markets to sell their produce.
www.namfarmers.com.na
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