The first-ever annual Atusheni Agricultural and Community Show to empower and uplift women, youth, and start-ups commenced at Omuthiya on Thursday.

According to its coordinator, Maria Shikongo, 47 exhibitors, the majority of which are from nearby villages, are selling agricultural products from this year’s harvest.

Shikongo said they have realised that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local entrepreneurs do not have sufficient funds or products to uplift themselves and their businesses.

‘A show like Atusheni agricultural and community show is here as a platform for our communities to showcase their products and services,’ she said.

She further said there are different kinds of stalls including the stalls of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) as well as food, clothing, vintage stalls and a kiddies’ corner.

She said the MAWLR would provide services such as animal movement permits, stock brand applications, updates on the Namibian
Livestock Identification and Traceability System (Namlits), transfer of stock ownership, and basic farmers’ awareness on the Directorate of Veterinary Services.

‘Information on ear tag and ear tag quota applications, awareness and prevention of animal diseases also form part of the ministry’s services at the show,’ Shikongo added.

The ECN, she further said, has put up a registration point to accelerate the registration process and educate the general public on the General Registration of Voters (GRV) which started on 03 June and ends on 01 August 2024.

ECN regional electoral officer of Oshikoto Region, Ester Hipangelwa expressed her appreciation, saying: ‘We look forward to more eligible voters to come in big numbers to register and obtain their voters’ cards.’

The show ends on Saturday, 03 August 2024.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency