APA identifies stress factors amid potential drought
Preparations for groundnut, maize trials underway
Agronomist Dirk Prinsloo conducted visits to Hochfeld, Summerdown, Grootfontein, Tsumeb and Abenab.
Considering the potential drought in 2023/2024, critical stress factors were identified by members of the Agronomy Producers’ Association (APA) that require attention for future success. This occurred when agronomist Dirk Prinsloo, representing the APA, conducted visits to various areas including Hochfeld, Summerdown, Grootfontein, Tsumeb and Abenab.
The primary objective of these visits was to engage with APA members, and address a range of issues and streamlining processes related to groundnut and maize trials.
According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), preparations for the groundnut and maize trials are underway and Prinsloo has engaged relevant stakeholders to optimise technical aspects of the project.
The acquisition of the required seeds is in progress, and the distribution of trial resources is being organised.
Lack of support
Throughout these visits, Prinsloo interacted with nine APA members, engaging in detailed discussions regarding their immediate and long-term needs.
Prinsloo’s general assessment included that concerns were raised about high production costs, particularly related to fertiliser, agro-chemicals and electricity.
Members also mentioned the lack of support for irrigation scheduling and that there is a need to optimise costing strategies related to mechanisation.
It was also emphasised that there is a need to improve services in leaf, water quality and soil analysis, while members felt the lack of sustainable programmes may lead to potential build-up of resistance among insects and diseases, the NAU noted.
Potential solutions
Potential solutions to the issues raised included that technical support should be provided to optimise production processes and counteract high production costs.
Members added that there should be more collaboration with local and South African stakeholders to explore irrigation options, while farmers should be offered estimates for mechanisation costs based on their available equipment.
It was further recommended that local and South African service providers should provide efficient services and interpretation support.
Regular information-sharing initiatives should also be implemented to educate members on sustainable agro-chemical use for future regulation.