Agriculture ministry supports northern farmers with multi-purpose scales

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform on Monday handed over 10 multi-purpose scales worth N$2.2 million to farmers in the northern communal areas.

The multi-purpose scales are used for vaccinations, branding, castration, dehorning, weighing and pregnancy testing.

Agriculture ministry executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata said the mobile scales would be distributed to the Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Omusati and Oshana regions.

According to Nghituwamata, there are numerous kraals across the country where farmers bring their animals for auctions and other services.

She noted that these workstations provide farmers with a comprehensive solution to carry out essential livestock management activities efficiently and safely, while also reducing labour requirements.

“In most cases, people look at their cow and determine the price by the look of their eyes, but this will be a thing of the past.

“Farmers are now expected to place their cattle on the scale, which determines the value for sale, ensuring they are paid the right price,” she said.

She said this initiative is being implemented across all northern communal areas which have faced market challenges. The goal is to modernise the market, making it more competitive.

Nghituwamata emphasised that the ministry would ensure the equipment is strategically deployed across key areas to maximise its reach and impact.

Training sessions will also be held to empower local stakeholders, including ministerial staff and farmers, with the knowledge required to operate and maintain the equipment.

“This investment aligns with Namibia’s efforts to enhance livestock productivity and improve the economic value chain for farmers in the northern communal areas,” Nghituwamata said.

The multi-purpose scales were provided by the European Union through the European Development Fund.