Allexer Namundjembo
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president and member of the National Assembl, McHenry Venaani has urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to immediately procure 1,000 high-yield dairy cattle and revive Namibia’s dairy industry, saying the country can no longer afford to leave strategic agricultural investments idle.
In an open letter addressed to the President on Tuesday, Venaani called for the launch of a comprehensive national dairy revitalisation programme centred on the revival of the Vhungu Vhungu Dairy Farm in the Kavango East Region.
“This letter serves as an urgent call upon your Government to immediately procure 1,000 high-yield dairy cattle and launch a comprehensive national dairy revitalisation programme, beginning with the revival of the Vhungu Vhungu Dairy Farm in the Kavango East Region,” Venaani wrote.
He said the proposal is aimed at strengthening food security, reducing Namibia’s dependence on imported dairy products, creating jobs, and ensuring better use of public resources.
Venaani pointed to Botswana’s recent decision to begin the phased importation of 1,000 high-yield dairy cattle, saying Namibia should follow suit.
“Namibia should not hesitate to follow this example. We possess the land, the infrastructure and the agricultural potential to become a significant producer of dairy products, yet we continue to rely heavily on imports while strategic national investments remain idle,” he said.
He also criticised the continued under-utilisation of the Vhungu Vhungu Dairy Farm, which he said was established with an estimated government investment of about N$200 million nearly 16 years ago.
“A facility intended to become a cornerstone of Namibia’s dairy industry has remained largely unproductive while the country continues to import millions of dollars’ worth of milk and dairy products every year,” Venaani said.
He argued that reviving the dairy farm would not only maximise public investment but also help address unemployment, rising food prices, and the high cost of living.
“Every litre of milk imported is a reminder that we are creating jobs and supporting farmers beyond our borders instead of investing in our own economy. Every dollar spent on imported dairy products is money that could have circulated within Namibia, creating employment, strengthening rural livelihoods, and expanding agricultural production,” he said.
Venaani proposed that the revival of Vhungu Vhungu should include breeding, veterinary, processing, and marketing infrastructure, while extending opportunities to communal farmers through dairy cooperatives, out-grower schemes, and farmer support programmes.
He said Namibia should act with urgency instead of watching neighbouring countries take the lead in agricultural investment.
“The time has come for Namibia to match ambition with action and transform dormant infrastructure into productive national assets,” Venaani said.
Agriculturalist Elina Simon said revitalising Namibia’s dairy industry could yield significant economic and food security benefits if implemented through a well-planned and sustainable approach.
Simon said procuring high-yield dairy cattle is only one part of the equation.
“Government must also invest in quality feed production, veterinary services, farmer training, milk processing facilities, and reliable market access. If these components are developed alongside the revival of the Vhungu Vhungu Dairy Farm, Namibia can substantially reduce its dependence on imported dairy products, create employment opportunities, and build a more resilient agricultural sector,” Simon said.
