The Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB) has announced a Crop Value Chain Development Strategy for 2025–2030 valued at N$250 million (US$13.5 million), with potato production identified as a priority. Of this, N$27.5 million (US$1.5 million) will be allocated to the Potato Value Chain Development Scheme over five years.
The NAB will provide a 50% subsidy, while Agribank will offer loans for input financing. According to NAB chairperson Hubertus Hamm, the scheme will cost about N$5.5 million (US$297,000) annually, covering subsidies of 50% for certified seed potatoes and 25% for fertilisers and agrochemicals, as well as farmer training, mechanisation support, and administrative costs.
NAB aims to increase potato production from the current 8,203 tons, valued at N$84 million (US$4.5 million), to 20,000 tons, valued at N$140 million (US$7.6 million), by 2030. Imports are expected to fall from 66% to 33%, while more than 1,500 permanent and seasonal jobs are projected to be created. Hamm said: "The goal is to increase the contribution of locally produced potatoes to Market Share Promotion (MSP) from the current 34% to at least 67% within five years."
The scheme targets small-scale farmers planting between 0.5 and two hectares. Farmers with plots larger than two hectares will only receive subsidies for the first two hectares. Each year, 45 farmers are expected to benefit, cultivating 89 hectares annually and totalling 445 hectares over five years. Support will be provided for certified seed, fertilisers, agrochemicals, training, mechanisation, and market access.
NAB CEO Fidelis Mwazi said potatoes are the most consumed horticultural product in Namibia, with annual demand estimated at 30,000 tons valued at N$246 million (US$13.3 million). Local production accounts for just 34%, forcing reliance on imports, mainly from South Africa. He noted that potatoes represent 28% of all horticultural imports worth N$587 million (US$31.8 million) and 22% of the value of local horticultural output.
Mwazi added that existing subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture cover only half a hectare per farmer, while input costs remain high. Producing one hectare of potatoes costs about N$200,000 (US$10,800), creating barriers for small-scale producers. He also pointed to earlier trials of new varieties with French partners, which performed well but were delayed by quality assurance and regulatory gaps.
Hamm stressed that the success of the scheme depends on collaboration with stakeholders, including Agribank, input suppliers, producer associations, the Ministry of Agriculture, and trade agencies.
Source: New Era Live