The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform will spend an estimated N$8 million to service and repair 508 government tractors across Namibia as it races to prepare its agricultural machinery for the 2026/27 rain-fed cropping season.
The nationwide maintenance programme runs from 17 to 31 August, ahead of the cropping season scheduled from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Agriculture Ministry Executive Director Patrus-Canisius Nangolo said the estimated N$8 million cost will cover service parts, fuel, transport and other logistical requirements.
Of the 508 tractors identified for the programme, 385 require minor servicing and 112 need major repairs.
“A total of 508 tractors have been identified for servicing and repairs, of which 385 require minor servicing, while 112 require major repairs. The servicing of tractors and agricultural implements will be carried out on-site at the respective Agricultural Development Centres (ADCs) across the country, utilising the Ministry’s available technical capacity,” Nangolo said.
“Tractors requiring major repairs will, where necessary, be attended to at the Ministry’s Agricultural Technology Centres (ATCs), strategically located in Ongwediva and Rundu respectively.”
The intervention comes as the government seeks to ensure that its tractor fleet is operational before farmers begin preparing land for the new cropping season.
The programme will also provide employment and practical training opportunities for young artisans.
The Ministry will employ 15 graduate artisans on one-year contracts, while 45 trainees from Vocational Training Centres will work as assistant artisans to gain practical workplace experience.
Nangolo said the Ministry will also make agricultural machinery and equipment available to eligible farmers at subsidised prices.
The equipment includes walking tractors, seed drills, seedling transplanters, weeding cultivators, knapsack sprayers, hammer mills, veterinary kits and animal weighing scales.
The government expects the interventions to improve farmers’ access to machinery and strengthen agricultural production and food security during the coming season.
“These interventions form part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to ensure that farmers are adequately supported ahead of the 2026/2027 ploughing season,” Nangolo said.
“By improving the operational readiness of its tractor fleet, creating opportunities for young artisans and increasing access to appropriate agricultural machinery and equipment, the Ministry aims to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute towards improved food and nutrition security in Namibia,” he said.
