By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus
The Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB) is pushing to commercialise mahangu, a staple crop widely grown for household consumption in Namibia, yet often imported during times of drought.
In its latest newsletter, Gilbert Mulonda, NAB’s General Manager of Agronomy and Horticulture, stressed that boosting mahangu productivity is key to its commercial success.
Mahangu production remains inconsistent despite its status as an indigenous crop, with commercial-scale farming currently limited, mainly to the Zambezi Region.
Mulonda noted that mahangu can be grown beyond subsistence levels, and efforts should focus on increasing domestic production per hectare.
“Mahangu has the potential for true commercialisation, but current production levels are too low, averaging only 0.5 tons per hectare,” Mulonda stated, adding that this is far below the crop’s potential.
Comments