The Namibian government has initiated plans to establish a dairy plant near Rundu in Northern Namibia, a move which will cut down milk imports.
The proposed dairy farm, which is being built with an investment of NGN160m ($1.01m) is expected to be completed over a period of three years according to a feasibility study by JWE Consulting Engineering Company, reported The New Era.
The study also noted that the dairy industry can contribute much towards the economic development, compared to other countries, since it is is labour-intensive and generates employment in rural areas, and requires minimum import inputs.
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry John Mutorwa said that currently, Namibia produces about 20 million litres, and the additional required milk products have to be imported.
The plant has to be managed carefully since it is an intensive complex agricultural business, Mutorwa added.
Meanwhile, Namibia Dairies-owned Super Farm has begun full production, giving a boost to the country's dairy sector.
