The art of knowing how to grow maize in Namibia is a critical and important part of farming and food production in Namibia. Maize is Namibia’s most important staple crop. It is grown for household consumption and commercial sale, especially in the northern regions.
Maize farming for commercial purposes requires a lot more planning, market research and execution of the plan. In his piece, we will discuss in detail on how to grow maize in Namibia.
How to grow Maize in Namibia : Irrigation method
Climate and Rainfall Requirements
- Requires 500–800 mm rainfall
- Grows best at temperatures between 18–30°C
- Plant at the start of the rainy season or under irrigation
Soil Requirements
- Fertile, well-drained soil
- Slightly acidic to neutral pH
- Avoid waterlogged fields
Land Preparation
- Plough early before planting
- Remove weeds
- Apply manure or compost if available
Planting
- Plant seeds 5 cm deep
- Spacing:
- 25–30 cm between plants
- 75–90 cm between rows
- Plant 1–2 seeds per hole
Water Management
- Critical stages: flowering and grain filling
- Supplement rainfall with irrigation if possible
Fertilisation
- Apply basal fertiliser at planting
- Top-dress with nitrogen 4–6 weeks after emergence
Pest and Disease Control
Common pests:
- Fall armyworm
- Stalk borers
Control methods:
- Early planting
- Field monitoring
- Integrated pest management
Harvesting
- Harvest when cobs are dry and kernels hard
- Dry maize properly before storage
Yield Potential
Under good management, maize can provide stable food security and surplus income.
When best to plan maize in Namibia with rain as the main source of water, here.