By Namibia Press Agency
Copyright namibian
Sikondo Green Scheme, located in the Kavango West region, is among three green schemes in the two Kavango regions set to receive drones during the current financial year.
This development was announced by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform director Ben Haraseb during president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent visit to the schemes.
Prior to the announcement, Sikondo Farm manager Maxwell Nghidinwa had urged the ministry to invest in drone technology.
He emphasised the growing global trend of using drones in agriculture to enhance productivity and efficiency. Nghidinwa shared that a trial using a borrowed drone for pesticide spraying had yielded impressive results.
“The drone covered eight hectares in just one hour, something that takes much longer using traditional methods,” he said.
He added that drones would significantly reduce operational costs, save time and increase crop yields.
Equipped with advanced sensors, he explained, drones can monitor soil moisture, plant stress and early signs of pests or diseases, enabling quicker intervention.
“Unlike heavy farm machinery, drones also help preserve soil quality by minimising soil compaction,” he added.
According to Nghidinwa, a single drone costs between N$300 000 and N$350 000.
Haraseb confirmed the ministry’s commitment to modernising the schemes, stating that each of the three prioritised green schemes will receive one drone this year.
He further revealed additional plans to equip Sikondo with a solar-tied grid system, new tractors valued at N$9 million and a vegetable planter.
“These are just our priorities for this year, based on available funding,” Haraseb said, adding that more green schemes will receive drones in the next financial year.
Haraseb said the introduction of drones marks a significant step forward in the mechanisation and modernisation of Namibia’s green schemes, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Kavango regions.
