AGRIMONITOR: Farmer faces N$7 000 loss after frost destroys crops
Okahandja farmer and horticulturist Jesaya Shipingana says he suffered losses of about N$7 000 after frost destroyed more than 550 plants overnight last Friday.
The damaged crops included more than 250 chilli bushes and about 300 tomato and guava plants.
Shipingana, who has been farming since 2015, said it was the first time he had experienced frost-related losses of this magnitude.
He moved to Okahandja in March after acquiring land to continue his farming operations. While he knew the area experienced colder winter temperatures, he did not anticipate such severe damage.
"When I moved to Okahandja, I knew it was a cold area, but I didn't expect to lose so many crops. Losing 550 plants has a significant impact on my finances, including electricity costs and the salary of my only employee. It is a major loss, but I have learned from the experience and will make adjustments going forward," he says.
Shipingana says he spends about N$100 a day on electricity to pump water, amounting to roughly N$3 000 a month. "Every cent counts because it reflects the value of the labour invested. I planted my tomatoes in March, expecting to harvest in June, and that investment is now a complete loss."
Asked whether the affected crops could recover, Shipingana said he was doubtful, particularly in the case of the tomatoes and chillies. "Tomatoes and chillies are not winter crops, and winter is still far from over."
He said the guava trees may recover if further frost does not occur in the coming days. However, he warned that even recovered plants could produce fruit of lower quality. "Retailers prefer high-quality produce, and I do not want to develop a reputation as a supplier of poor-quality products. If some of the crops recover, we may simply consume them at home," he says.
To prevent further losses, Shipingana has purchased ten frost blankets, each measuring 10 metres in length, to protect the remaining crops. "I want to avoid any further frost damage because this farm supports my family through the sale of produce. Fortunately, we are currently harvesting spinach, which is selling well. Some spinach was affected by the frost, but it has continued to grow satisfactorily."
Shipingana encourages other farmers to familiarise themselves with crops best suited to winter conditions in their respective regions. "It is important to understand that even if there is demand for a particular crop, it may not be worth planting if frost threatens its viability. I have learned my lesson and will always assess whether a crop can thrive during its growing season before planting."
He identified carrots, spinach, onions, garlic and cabbage as winter crops, while tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, chillies, watermelon, melons and sweet corn are generally better suited to warmer conditions.
Another farmer, Asser Nghipewa from Okongo in the Ohangwena Region, said he planted about 3 700 tomato plants this winter under protective side netting to reduce the risk of frost damage.
"I know tomatoes are not a winter crop, but there is constant demand for them. Households cannot do without tomatoes, and farmers can make good profits during this period. Many farmers avoid growing tomatoes because of frost, but I take calculated risks because if frost does not occur, it pays off," he says.
Nghipewa says frost is difficult to control, but advises farmers to increase watering in the evenings when frost is forecast. He also recommends using grass mulch around crops and investing in frost blankets where possible.
