Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, has implored 152 Farm Machinery Operator Graduates trainees to uphold the high standards set by the Namibia Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Project (NAMSIP) initiative.
Nghituwamata delivered this message during the official certificate handover ceremony held at the Mashare Agricultural Development Institute last week.
She stressed the importance of adhering to the project’s principles and maintaining the trust of both the ministry and the farmers they will serve.
“No malpractices, and don’t disappoint the ministry and our farmers you will be serving,” Nghituwamata said.
The ceremony, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises through the African Development Bank, introduced the trained operators who are now equipped to tackle the challenges of agricultural mechanization.
The primary focus of the NAMSIP initiative is on Agricultural Mechanization and Certified Seed Systems Improvement, to address critical issues that have hindered food security in Namibia.
This type of training offered by the Ministry is the first of its kind in ensuring that the operators are well-skilled in the operation and handling of tractors and the accompanying implements,” Nghituwamata said while stressing the significance of the training program.
During the same event, Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo echoed the importance of responsible conduct among the trainees.
He cautioned against any form of negligence and emphasized the need for proper handling and care of the newly acquired machinery.
“Tractors or implements with alcohol do not work hand in hand. We must know what time to get on the tractor and what time to socialize,” he said.
The NAMSIP project has procured 350 tractors with matching implements to support farmers in their operations and address challenges related to timely access to agricultural inputs.
The training program, attended by 152 graduates, focused on farm power and machinery, covering various aspects such as tractors, tillage equipment, planters, and harvesters.
Nghituwamata’s emphasis on professionalism and the avoidance of malpractices set the tone for the governor’s reminder of the responsibility placed upon the trainees.
“Now that we have the tractors and implements, they will be entrusted to you as operators to handle them with care, take full ownership, as your supervisors won’t be there to supervise you 24/7,” cautioned Wakudumo.
