In light of the looming drought in Namibia resulting from the poor and delayed rainfall patterns, Agribank has reminded farmers of all kinds to take up its production loan facility.
Agribank offers a production loan facility to farmers aimed at growing their agribusinesses to create wealth today, for prosperity tomorrow.
“A production loan facility can be used for the acquisition of seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides; weeding; fuel and oil; transportation costs; wages for temporary workers; lease of grazing; livestock feed; licks; veterinary medicine; horticulture; and micro-irrigation. The facility also caters for day-to-day farm expenses such as the maintenance of boreholes, farm vehicles, and food rations for farm workers.
“There is no loan limit as the loan amount will be based on the affordability and risk appetite of the Bank. Farmers will receive a grace period depending on the cash flow of the production activities/ Agri-enterprise,” said Fillemon Nangonya, the Bank’s Public Relations Officer.
The loan is repayable over one year, and it can be revolved for up to five years. The facility is available to both full-time and part-time farmers, and the applicable interest rates are 8% for communal farmers and 9.5% for commercial farmers.
“At Agribank, we provide local solutions to every farmer’s needs with tailor-made facilities at competitive interest rates. Agribank will be there for you at all stages of the production stage because we believe that your success is our success and ultimately that of the whole nation.
“Lastly, Agribank calls on its clients facing financial distress and unable to service their loan obligations to approach the Bank and make the necessary arrangements,” Nangonya further stated.