Spanish company Industrials Almentaries de Navara, trading as Otjimbele Agriculture and the ministry of agriculture in Namibia, on Wednesday afternoon signed a 10 -year lease agreement for a 60-hectare plot for the production of asparagus at Etunda Irrigation Green Scheme in Omusati region.

The Spanish company said it had chosen Namibia to host its new processing factory in Africa, in addition to others in Europe, Asia and South America.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the ministry head office in Windhoek, Otjimbeles Carlos Lertxundi said they are currently installing a drip irrigation system, that is the most efficient way to grow asparagus under Omusati regions climatic conditions.

They have been busy with soil preparation at the site since last July, he said.

He said that by the end of this year, the first 30 hectares will be planted, and the rest by the beginning of next year.

“By December 2018, if everything goes as planned, the processing factory will be operational,” he said, adding that engineers are working on the design and identification of local partners to build the factory.

Lertxundi said between N$24 million and N$30 million will be spent on the factory while the farm work will cost between N$15 million and N$20 million.

On whether the factory is meant for export markets only, Lertxundi said if there is a local company that wants to export, they are welcome on board of the existing export destinations of 52 different countries.

Agriculture minister John Mutorwa said at the signing ceremony that the Spanish companys directors came to brief him on the project at the beginning of the year.

“The benefits will amount to millions of dollars for Namibia,” he said, adding that the company is not experimenting with Namibia.

“This 10-year agreement, will have multiple benefits for the country. It will bring capital investment of approximately N$8,8 million, which is required for adapting the existing irrigation system at the government s Etunda Green Scheme Irrigation Project and approximately N$25 million for building a processing factory at Ruacana ,” he said.

He added that at least 175 jobs will be created on the plot, of which 25 will be permanent.

“It is also anticipated that 120 people will be employed in the processing factory,” he said.

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