White maize dominates agronomy production
NSA reports significant increase in livestock auctions
White maize accounted for 21 889 tonnes, or 99% of total agronomy production, during the second quarter of this year.
Namibia almost exclusively produced white maize during the second quarter of 2024, neglecting other horticultural products, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency’s (NSA's) recent agriculture and fishing report.During the second quarter of 2024, production of controlled agronomy stood at 22 108 tonnes, compared to 21 953 tonnes recorded in the same quarter of 2023, translating into an increase of 1.1%.
White maize accounted for the highest volume of 21 889 tonnes, or 99% of total agronomy production.
According to the NSA, the import bill for agronomy products stood at N$655.7 million for the second quarter of 2024, translating into a decline of 11.4%, compared to N$740.5 million registered in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
Imports and exports
The import bill for fish products during the period under review stood at N$206.1 million, an increase of 18.9% compared to N$173.3 million recorded in the same quarter of 2023.
“The fish products export earnings for the quarter under review amounted to N$3.8 billion. This represents a decrease of 7.5% compared to the N$4.1 billion recorded in the second quarter of 2023,” the NSA said.
During the second quarter of 2024, Namibia exported horticultural products valued at N$139.1 million, the report noted.
"This is lower when compared to N$167.8 million that was exported in the same quarter of 2023,” the NSA said.
High demand for dates
South Africa remained Namibia’s largest export market for horticulture products.
“During the period under review, South Africa was the main export destination for horticulture, accounting for 58.9%. Angola, Kazakhstan, and the United Kingdom accounted for 8.7%, 8.4%, and 8.1%, respectively,” the NSA said.
The main products exported to these countries were dates (N$82.5 million), tomatoes (N$22.1 million), pumpkins, squash, and gourds (N$12.7 million), and onions (N$12.4 million), the agency said.
Steep rise in animal auctions
The NSA also recorded a significant increase in the number of animals auctioned.
“The total number of animals auctioned in the second quarter of 2024 increased by 73.7%, to 138 093 animals from 79 498 animals auctioned in the corresponding quarter of 2023. During the second quarter of 2024, cattle auctions recorded a total of 100 997 heads,” the NSA said.
Meanwhile, auctions for goats and sheep registered 18 900 heads and 18 196 heads, respectively, the NSA said.
SIGNIFICANT: Namibia produced almost exclusive white maize in the second quarter of 2024. Silos belonging to the now defunct Agribusdev are seen in the background.