THE RUNDU fresh produce distribution hub is in the process of registering local farmers with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (Amta) for the purpose of supplying government agencies.
The acting regional manager, Gervasius Thikusho, in an interview with Nampa on Tuesday, encouraged small-scale farmers as well as youth groups to register, also reminding them that the fresh produce hub is still operational.
The media reported last week that Amta had closed all its fresh produce hubs as all agents had been told to leave.
Thikusho explained that Amta will assist producers to develop a cropping calendar in line with government agencies, offices and ministries, adding that this programme to invite farmers has been running since early June.
He said they supply produce to government agencies such as military bases in the Kavango East, West, and Zambezi regions through August 26 Logistics.
“The hubs are open and farmers that already have produce can start communicating to us. Those we do not have information on can also come through,” Thikusho said.
Activity at the hub declined for various reasons, including the impact of “climatic issues” – thus the hub is trying to boost production again.
In 2014/15 the hub had a throughput of 863 metric tonnes, 751mt in 2015/2016, 1 545mt in 2016/17, 1 153mt in 2017/18 and 708mt in 2018/19, he cited.
“Farmers can only produce if there is a secure market. Other than that it is a little difficult because the risk is too high,” he stressed.
Currently the hub sources produce from different farmers in the region such as Tengu Farm in Kavango West, Sikondo Irrigation small-scale farmers, Salem and Mashare irrigation schemes.
Thikusho said the hub is busy negotiating with many government agencies, ministries and offices for Amta to start supplying them fresh produce.
These include the ministries of health, safety and security, ministry of environment, poverty eradication and the ministry of education.
“The hub removed all six agents as many could not meet their target of 120mt per month. The hubs are trading directly now,” Thikusho said. – Nampa
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