Local farmers like Penepandulo Filemon, a mushroom farmer, believe that equipping Namibian farmers with modern farming technology is essential for improving productivity, creating jobs, and building a sustainable agricultural sector. Filemon argues that traditional farming methods are limiting growth and preventing local farmers from taking full advantage of opportunities in the market.
"Most of us farmers are considered to be behind," Filemon said in an interview with Eagle FM last week. "Many farmers are not well-acquainted with technology, especially since the majority are over 60. Technology isn't something common to them. But if we can equip farmers with the latest tools and equipment, it will really help," she remarked. She emphasised that while modern systems and farming tools exist that can accelerate production cycles and reduce labour intensity, these technologies are often inaccessible to local farmers.
"In the past, everything was done by hand, even planting tomatoes. Nowadays, there are upgraded systems, but we don't have access to those here in Namibia," she added.
Although often categorised with vegetables, mushrooms are a type of fungus. They reproduce by releasing millions of spores and grow above ground or on organic material. Mushrooms are native to North America and Europe, but have gained popularity globally due to their health benefits and culinary versatility.
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