Namibia’s local crop production plummeted by 26.6% to 14,633 tonnes during the third quarter, compared to the same period in 2023.
Local production of crops declined year on year and quarter on quarter due to unfavourable weather conditions that negatively impacted domestic crop production during the quarter under review, revealed Bank of Namibia (BoN).
In its Quarterly Bulletin, the bank noted that the decline was reflected in the reduced production of all monitored crop types namely, white maize and pearl millet.
“The aforementioned crop types declined by 56.7% and 74.0%, respectively, to 8,372 tonnes and 155 tonnes during the quarter under review compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023,” said BoN.
This was attributed to insufficient and irregular rainfall received during the 2023/24 rainfall season.
“To supplement the shortfall, crop imports increased by 60.3% to 91,333 tonnes during the quarter under review, from 56,961 tonnes to complement the low level of crop production to cater for domestic demand,” noted BoN.
On a quarterly basis, local crop production similarly decreased significantly by 7,475 tonnes to 14,633 tonnes mainly attributed to low harvesting season.
Meanwhile, milk production rose in 2024 on the back of a high number of milk-producing cows.
“Milk production rose annually and quarterly by 7.5 % and 11.0%, respectively, to 4.2 million litres during the third quarter of 2024,” said BoN.
The Bank said the increase was ascribed to a rise in the number of milk-producing cows and the improved technological capabilities used to enhance and efficiently produce milk.
