The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) is advancing plans for a major irrigation project on a 140-hectare brownfield site in Ekoka, east of Okongo Town.
During a visit to the farm, the Ministry’s Executive Director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, said comprehensive water surveys are underway to establish boreholes needed for irrigation, with the aim of transforming the site into productive farmland.
“I have here two fields totalling approximately 140 hectares. This land and its soil hold significant potential to boost our agricultural sector. Ultimately, our goal is to transform this brownfield into a productive green field. As highlighted in Her Excellency the President’s 100-day plan, we are committed to bringing this Ekoka brownfield into active cultivation to help meet the Ministry’s target for expanding land under production,” she said.
Nghituwamata noted that a specialised team from the Directorate of Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services is conducting soil sampling and technical assessments to guide the project’s implementation.
She said the initiative is expected not only to increase food production but also to create jobs and provide the local community with access to fresh produce.
“If the data analysis yields positive results, as we are hopeful it will, this project could be one of the first of its kind in the Ohangwena region. Should it succeed here in Ekoka, Ohangwena East, it could pave the way for similar initiatives in Ohangwena West, located at the heart of the Ohangwena 2 aquifer, ultimately expanding irrigated land and strengthening our national food self-reliance,” she said.
The project forms part of the Ministry’s broader plan to launch agricultural projects in all 14 regions to promote nutritious food production, job creation, and community resilience.
