Martin Inkumbi, CEO of the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), highlighted the potential for expansion of the blueberry farm located at the Mashare Irrigation Scheme in the Kavango East region. During a visit aimed at evaluating the operations funded by GIPF, Inkumbi noted the project's role in job creation and its impact on the local community.
The Mashare blueberry project, the first of its kind in Namibia, exports its produce to various international markets, including Europe, Great Britain, and the Middle East. With a workforce comprising 100 permanent and up to 800 seasonal employees during harvest, the project significantly contributes to local employment. Currently covering 60 hectares, plans are underway to expand the cultivation area to 90 hectares next year, with a long-term goal of exceeding 280 hectares to strengthen the farm's competitive position globally.
Operational strategies include organizing pickers into teams with designated leaders and roles, ensuring efficient harvesting and quality control. This structured approach, along with the strategic expansion, positions the Mashare blueberry farm as a key player in the international berry market.
Source: namibian.com.na