For the first time, a large-scale harvest of commercial potatoes kicked off under the watch of the Omukwaniilwa of the Ondonga Traditional Authority at Okashana Agri-nest, located in the Omuthiya Constituency.

The vision to ensure food security and combat unemployment is yielding positive results.

In 2023, Omukwaniilwa Fillemon Nangolo of the Ondonga Traditional Authority designated an area strictly for agricultural purposes and to support government efforts to ensure food security.

More than 100 farmers from the community were allocated units from 50 to 100 hectares and were expected to plant within a period not less than three years.

Farmers planted maize, watermelons, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes.

Omukwaniilwa Nangolo was pleased to witness the first-ever mass harvest of potatoes.

"The beginning of this project was not easy, but we are finally harvesting our first produce. Many doubted that communal areas in the north could grow anything beyond mahangu, cowpeas, and sorghum. This potato harvest has proven them wrong," he said.

The project has also created employment for more than 100 people.

Oshikoto Regional Governor Sacky Kathindi described the initiative as a new era in agriculture and an inspiration to communal farmers.

"This is more than just a project. It is a call to action, a message to all local farmers, business people, and community leaders that Oshikoto has the potential to become a national food basket."

Kashindi further said the government is working to establish an abattoir and a feedlot in Oshikoto as well.

Member of Parliament Job Amupanda, who is also a beneficiary of the programme, called on Namibians to take advantage of the potential of the agriculture sector and minimise imports.

"Thomas Sankara has told us that he who feeds you controls you. What does it mean? It means we cannot be a free people if we cannot produce our own food. We are always constantly going to be insecure."