Windhoek: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has tabled a N.dollars 2.57 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, focusing on food production, land reform, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
According to NAMPA, Minister Inge Zaamwani presented the budget to Parliament, stating that the proposed allocation under Vote 37 aims to address national food security and land accessibility through expanded programmes and structural reforms. The total budget includes N.dollars 2 569 216 000 for operational expenditure and N.dollars 515 600 000 for development expenditure.
The budget covers six key programmes. Agriculture Development will receive the largest portion at N.dollars 1.49 billion, while Land Reform and Resettlement is allocated N.dollars 323 million. Land Administration will receive N.dollars 155 million, and Policy Coordination and Support Services N.dollars 596 million.
The ministry will continue its vaccination campaigns against foot-and-mouth disease, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and rabies. Plans also include completing the installation of equipment at the Ongwediva Meat Processing Plant and upgrading quarantine facilities in the Zambezi and Omusati regions.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the ministry supported 79 582 cereal farmers under the Dry Land Crop Production Programme. It distributed 840 goats to 40 households and supported 529 poultry and 101 dairy producers through a value chain programme. Eight commercial farms totalling over 30 000 hectares were acquired for resettlement, with two more farms acquired for generational farm workers.
The ministry plans to continue land acquisitions and expand communal areas. It welcomes the N.dollars 100 million allocation for resettling landless farmers in corridors. Additionally, the ministry plans to reintroduce the Land Bill, which aims to promote equitable access to land and prohibits foreign nationals from owning land or holding customary land rights.
Marine and Inland Fisheries Research will receive N.dollars 110 million to support scientific surveys, community fisheries reserves, and international cooperation. Zaamwani emphasized that agricultural production under irrigation is the most strategic course of action to ensure food security.
The minister concluded by urging Parliament to approve the budget.