The Namibia Statistics Agency in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry is planning and preparing for the next Namibia Census of Agriculture to take place in 2013/14.

The project is funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with a grant of N$4.3million to supplement government in carrying out the census, which will count crop production, cattle as well as small stock at different farms across the country. The funds received will be used for services of experts, training and procurement of equipment to successfully carry out the census.

Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Statistician General, Dr. John Steytler has assured the public that information obtained from farmers will be confidential. “We guarantee that we will not disclose personal information of the farmer’s activities. This census is very important so we therefore call on the full participation and cooperation of the public,” Steytler highlighted.

Read the full article HERE

Kenya has received the green light for export of French beans to the US.

The move follows improvements in washing, packaging and processing of beans and could earn farme more billions. The permission precedes a 12-year ban and five years of intense lobbying by fresh produce growers.

The move will now open a new frontier, beyond Europe, for the country’s 15,0000 bean farmers. Import of Kenyan beans has been banned into the US since the year 2000, making the decision by the US Department of Agriculture, a landmark ruling for the country’s horticultural industry.

“We are amending the fruits and vegetable regulations to allow the importation of French and runner beans from Kenya into the US,” said the country’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in a statement.

Read the full article HERE

A 25% decrease in Kenyan beans sales was registered in January 2013, compared to January 2012, after the European Commission decided in December 2012 to increase to 10% the frequency of pesticide residues border controls on French beans and peas imported from the country, the Fresh Produce Association of Kenya (FPEAK) claims.

In Kenya green beans are grown mainly by smallholder farmers under irrigation. According to a recent study (August 2012) an estimated 50,000 growers may be involved, mainly households with less than 2 acres of land.The fresh bean industry also employs 45,000 to 60,000 people, of whom an estimated 60 per cent are
women, in commercial farms, processing, and logistical operations.

Read the full article HERE

PRESIDENT Michael Sata yesterday said Zambia can capture an export market in China for its agricultural produce.

President Sata made the remarks before closed-door talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and other senior Chinese government officials. Mr Li, who received Mr Sata at the Great Hall of the People, said he was delighted to meet with the Zambian delegation.

The President said Zambia had a variety of agricultural produce whose production could be scaled up in order to have a share in China’s 1.3 billion strong population’s market.

Mr Sata, who winds up his seven-day State visit today, was happy with the bilateral cooperation that had been extended to Zambia.

Read the full article HERE

Sel’a — Farmers in Sel’a sub-zone have called on the regional Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture to support their new farming venture along Zara River which is expected to cover around 150 hectares of the plain within Kefertai area. They further indicated that deployment of water pumps and technical advice is a major prerequisite in expanding the activity which has begun with small community-based potential.

Sheikh Al-Amin Mohammed-Ali and Tahir Mohammed Shum, both exemplary farmers, as well as Mr. Mohammed Hassan Humed, Administrator of Rikeb Administrative area, called for integrated efforts as regards nurturing the practice of plant production in the locality that is more characterized by herding.

Read the full article HERE