Okongo farmer reaps rewards as demand for local onions surges
An onion farmer in the Ohangwena Region is celebrating another successful harvest, with higher yields and growing demand strengthening his plans to expand production.
Asser Nghipewa, who farms on a 0.5-hectare plot in Okongo, began harvesting onions on 5 July and expects to finish by the end of August. He hopes to earn about N$50 000 from this season's crop, up from N$40 000 last year.
"The best thing about onions is that there is always demand," Nghipewa told Network Media Hub. "I constantly receive calls from customers and street vendors. At the moment, I supply about 32 street vendors, as well as the Ekoka Community Hostel."
On busy trading days, he sells between 30 and 40 bags of onions. Street vendors buy three onions for N$10 and resell them individually for N$5 each.
His customer base extends beyond Ohangwena, with buyers from other regions arranging and paying for their own transport.
Alongside onions, Nghipewa also grows tomatoes and watermelons. He expects to harvest his watermelon crop in October and is aiming to earn between N$50 000 and N$60 000, more than double the N$25 000 he made from last year's harvest.
Farming expensive
Despite the encouraging outlook, he says farming remains expensive.
Nghipewa currently employs three permanent workers but says he needs at least six to keep pace with demand. He also hires around 10 casual workers, paying each N$400 a week.
"Labour costs are high because we must provide workers with food, accommodation and protective equipment," he said.
Weather remains another major challenge.
"Watermelon seeds normally germinate within seven days, but during colder weather it can take up to 14 days. The weather has become very unpredictable."
Winter conditions also reduce the efficiency of his solar-powered borehole pumps, as there is often not enough sunlight to operate them effectively until around 11:00, delaying irrigation.
To reduce the impact of changing weather, Nghipewa has acquired another plot at Uutapi, where he believes conditions are more favourable. Rather than relocating, he plans to operate both farms.
Expanding market
He has also secured a potential new market after being approached by Elegance Agro-Processing to supply watermelons and tomatoes for jam and tomato sauce production.
However, expanding production will require significant investment. "To grow my business, I need resources, including three or four more boreholes. That will only be possible if private companies partner with farmers to provide funding. I've approached several companies, but so far I haven't received positive responses."
Nghipewa called on both government and the private sector to invest more in local farmers.
"With enough support, farmers can produce more and help meet local demand."
He also encouraged more people to enter agriculture, saying Namibia should strengthen its own food production. "Now is the right time to start farming. We cannot depend on imports forever. We have the land to feed ourselves, and we must prioritise food security."
He said producing food locally not only benefits his own family but also creates opportunities for street vendors and supports the wider community.
The timing is favourable for local onion growers. According to the Namibian Agronomic Board, onion imports will be suspended during August under the country's border control measures, indicating that local production is sufficient to meet domestic demand for the month.
