During discussions on the budget allocation for agriculture and land reform, MPs raised concern regarding outdated machinery, while some are parked due to unpaid operators.

This, they say, is counterproductive.

"23 NAMSIP tractors were just standing because there was no budget for them. Therefore, we are calling upon Namsip and the ministry to see the way in the coming season to make sure that these structures must be used; there should be a budget for these tractors so that the drivers for NAMSIP should be paid for their monthly allowances."

"In green schemes, some of the machinery is just standing there. They are not operated because they are outdated or they are ageing."

"Those of us living in the north, starting from Omusati to Zambezi, are mahangu growers, and therefore, if we are to get this machine now in every region, then we will support more farmers."

"I don't know where this machine came from, China or India, where most of these things are not operational. Our people were not trained on how to fix these things when they are not operating, and also there are no parts for these machines. So most of them, not 80%, 70% of them in America, are still standing there, not operating."

Issues regarding the resettlement programme were also brought into discussions.

"It is time to walk the talk. Let us prioritise the low-hanging fruits by accelerating implementation of resettlement and land-use programmes and fast-tracking local content and beneficiation initiatives that create jobs for the rural core."

Another matter of concern is the weak compliance mechanism, slow resolutions of land disputes and the absence of adequately capacitated legal units within the ministry to address the land-related matters timelessly. This delay often hinders productivity and frustrates government objectives relating to agricultural development."

"We need the land available. We are marginalised by the Diamond Act, and we are also marginalised by the National Park. The land is so vast, but everything you want to do, they will just tell you are diamonds. Diamonds are so deep in the ground on the bedrock, but still it is marginalised just to use the top ground of the land."

"I note with concern that only N$70 million has been allocated specifically for land appreciation for the current financial year. This raises concern about the pace of land reform in our country."

"If these individuals refuse to bring their development where they are, do we leave just like that? They do not want to take the office that is given to them, the compensation that is given to them. Should we leave this as it is?"