THE rice research project that was carried on by the University of Namibia’s Department of Crop Science has been a success, Unam Chancellor Sam Nujoma said at a graduation ceremony at Ongwediva on Friday.
The project grew rice in pans (oshanas) at Ogongo and at Kalimbeza in the Caprivi Region under the leadership of Professor Luke Kanymeka.Nujoma said the project demonstrated that Namibia can feed itself ‘if we can invest a little more in this initiative’.He said up to eight tons of rice per hectare were produced at Kalimbeza.’By increasing the area to about 200 or 300 hectares, Namibia can significantly reduce dependence on rice imports, and I therefore urge the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry to seriously seek Cabinet approval to have this project fully managed by Unam,’ former President Nujoma said.’These efforts must be intensified to enhance food security in our country,’ he added.
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