Rain-fed agronomic subsidy programme set to boost food security and farmer resilience

Jacques du ToitThe Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has unveiled its comprehensive implementation plan for the 2025/26 rain-fed agronomic subsidy programme, a cornerstone initiative aimed at enhancing food security, increasing crop productivity and building climate resilience among communal and resettled farmers across Namibia’s ten crop-growing regions.The programme, anchored by the Dry Land Crop Production Programme (DCPP) and the Cereal Value Chain Development Programme, will roll out a series of targeted subsidies and services to support smallholder farmers. With a total budget allocation of N$34.2 million, the initiative is expected to significantly improve access to agricultural inputs, mechanised services, and post-harvest infrastructure.One of the programme’s flagship interventions is the provision of subsidised tillage services.“The demand for tillage services is increasing. Documents, Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services (DAPEES) has 442 tractors to be deployed during the 2025/26 rainfall season, translating into only five tractors per constituency. This is not sufficient to satisfy the high demand for tillage services under rain-fed production. As a result, the ministry has introduced a subsidy on the procurement of light 4-wheel tractors with matching implements,” reads the report.Participating households will also be eligible for up to 5 ha of ploughing, disking, ripping and planting services. These services will be delivered through both government-owned tractors and private operators, with subsidies covering up to 60% of the cost.To address the growing demand for mechanised services, the ministry is introducing a new subsidy for the procurement of light 4-wheel tractors (35–50 horsepower) and matching implements. Farmers can receive up to N$250 000 in subsidies, covering 65% of the cost. This move is expected to empower more farmers to own equipment, reduce reliance on government tractors, and ensure timely land preparation.Seed, fertiliser and pest control supportImproved access to quality seeds remains a priority. The government will subsidise mahangu, maize and cowpeas, with each household eligible for support covering up to 5 ha. Maize will be sold at N$50 per 2 kg up to a maximum of N$1 250 per 50 kg per farming household.To enhance soil fertility, farmers will receive fertiliser subsidies of up to 60%, with specific rates for NPK, MAP, LAN, Urea, and Ammonium Sulphate. The programme also includes support for pest and weed control, offering 50% subsidies on pesticides and herbicides, capped at N$3 000 per 5 L or 5 kg.Weeding services, often a bottleneck for communal farmers, will be subsidised at N$400 per ha, up to 5 ha per household. Youth and women’s groups will be mobilised to participate, creating employment opportunities while improving crop yields.Post-harvest infrastructureTo reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the cereal value chain, the ministry will subsidise grain storage facilities, threshers and hammer mills. Households can receive up to N$10 000 for 10-ton storage units and N$30 000 for processing equipment, with subsidies covering 65% of the cost.These investments are designed to improve food preservation, reduce waste, and add value to locally produced cereals, thereby increasing household incomes and market competitiveness.The programme will be implemented through a collaborative framework involving DAPEES, the Directorate of Research and Development (DARD), and Regional Councils. DAPEES will oversee input distribution, training and awareness campaigns, while DARD will lead research efforts, including soil analysis and seed development.Regional Councils will manage dedicated bank accounts, process payments to service providers, and recruit seasonal tractor drivers. They will also coordinate with DAPEES to register beneficiaries and mobilise weeding groups.Traditional Authorities will play a key role in community mobilisation, particularly in engaging youth and women. Private sector partners, including tractor owners and input suppliers, will be registered and vetted to ensure service quality and accountability.Regional budget allocationsThe N$34.2 million budget will be distributed across the ten regions, with Zambezi (N$3 895 000), Ohangwena (N$2 920 000), Omusati (N$2 920 000), Oshikoto (N$2 930 000), and Oshana (N$2 895 000) receiving the largest shares, while Kunene (N$1 445 000) receives the smallest allocation.The Zambezi Region, which (according to the Namibia Agronomic Board’s 2025 white maize forecast) produces 100% of its white maize from rain-fed fields and 0% from irrigation, will receive N$1 million for seed subsidies, N$850 000 for tractor servicing, N$500 000 to purchase tractor-drawn implements, N$200 000 for hammer mill machinery, N$400 000 to purchase tractors and implements, N$50 000 for storage facilities, and N$600 000 to subsidise private tractors, animal draught power, and weeding services.The ministry announced the programme’s commencement in August 2025 via radio and community meetings. Interested farmers must register at their nearest Agricultural Development Centres (ADCs) to access services. For machinery subsidies, applicants must submit quotations from reputable dealers, along with proof of land ownership and financial contribution.Sustainable agricultureAs Namibia grapples with climate variability and food insecurity, the 2025/26 rain-fed agronomic subsidy programme represents a strategic investment in sustainable agriculture. By empowering farmers with tools, knowledge, and infrastructure, the government aims to transform rural livelihoods and build a resilient agronomic sector.For more information, farmers can contact their regional focal persons or visit the ministry’s head office in Windhoek.

Rain-fed agronomic subsidy programme set to boost food security and farmer resilience

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Republikein 2025-12-19

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