The Namibian government will disburse N$36 million in outstanding payments to farmers once the current mid-term budget consultations are completed. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare gave the assurance in the National Assembly after PDM leader McHenry Venaani questioned the delay in the payments.

Dr Ngurare said the funds are being processed through the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management and will be dispatched once the budget process is complete. He also said the government has decided to buy surplus grain produced by farmers after concerns that some of the crops could go to waste due to a lack of markets.

The grain will be placed in the strategic reserve to strengthen food security and provide supplies during El Niño conditions, droughts and other emergencies that could lead to food shortages.

Ngurare said payments for the grain will be made directly through the Ministry of Finance, with the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) involved in the process. He said agriculture remains a priority for the government and that more resources are needed to support the sector.