Rundu fresh produce hub still operational
The hub is busy negotiating with many of the government agencies, ministries and offices for AMTA to start supplying to them.
RUNDU – The Rundu fresh produce distribution hub is currently in the process of registering local farmers with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) for the purpose of supplying to government agencies.
The acting regional manager, Gervasius Thikusho, encouraged small-scale farmers as well as youth groups to register, also reminding them that the fresh produce hub has not closed and is operational.
It was reported last week Monday that AMTA had closed all its fresh produce distribution hubs as all agents were given notice to leave.
Thikusho explained that AMTA will assist producers to develop a cropping calendar in line with the government agencies, offices and ministries, adding that this programme of inviting farmers has been running since early June.
Produce is supplied to some of the government agencies such as the military bases in the Kavango East, West, and Zambezi regions through August 26 Logistics.
“The hubs are open so farmers that already have produce can start communicating to us. Those we do not have information on can come through,” Thikusho said.
Lower production
Production at the hub declined for various reasons, he said, pointing out “climatic issues” - thus the hub is trying to boost up production again.
In 2014/15 the hub had a throughput of 863 metric tons (MT), 751 MT in 2015/16, 1 545 MT in 2016/17, 1 153 MT in 2017/18 and 708 MT in 2018/19, he said.
“Farmers can only produce if there is a secured market. Other than that it is a little difficult because the risk is too high,” he stressed.
Currently the hub sources from different producers in the region such as Tengu Farm in Kavango West, Sikondo Irrigation small-scale farmers, Salem and Mashare Irrigation.
Thikusho said the hub is busy negotiating with many of the government agencies, ministries and offices for AMTA to start supplying to them.
These are the ministries of health and social services, safety and security, environment and tourism, poverty eradication and social welfare as well as education, arts and culture.
“The hub phased out all six agents as many could not meet their targets of 120 MT per month. The hubs are directly trading now,” Thikusho said. - Nampa
The acting regional manager, Gervasius Thikusho, encouraged small-scale farmers as well as youth groups to register, also reminding them that the fresh produce hub has not closed and is operational.
It was reported last week Monday that AMTA had closed all its fresh produce distribution hubs as all agents were given notice to leave.
Thikusho explained that AMTA will assist producers to develop a cropping calendar in line with the government agencies, offices and ministries, adding that this programme of inviting farmers has been running since early June.
Produce is supplied to some of the government agencies such as the military bases in the Kavango East, West, and Zambezi regions through August 26 Logistics.
“The hubs are open so farmers that already have produce can start communicating to us. Those we do not have information on can come through,” Thikusho said.
Lower production
Production at the hub declined for various reasons, he said, pointing out “climatic issues” - thus the hub is trying to boost up production again.
In 2014/15 the hub had a throughput of 863 metric tons (MT), 751 MT in 2015/16, 1 545 MT in 2016/17, 1 153 MT in 2017/18 and 708 MT in 2018/19, he said.
“Farmers can only produce if there is a secured market. Other than that it is a little difficult because the risk is too high,” he stressed.
Currently the hub sources from different producers in the region such as Tengu Farm in Kavango West, Sikondo Irrigation small-scale farmers, Salem and Mashare Irrigation.
Thikusho said the hub is busy negotiating with many of the government agencies, ministries and offices for AMTA to start supplying to them.
These are the ministries of health and social services, safety and security, environment and tourism, poverty eradication and social welfare as well as education, arts and culture.
“The hub phased out all six agents as many could not meet their targets of 120 MT per month. The hubs are directly trading now,” Thikusho said. - Nampa
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