Namibia: Malting barley planting trials thus far satisfactory

Evidence from the trials on the viability of planting malting barley in Namibia is thus far satisfactory, with the barley shoots now at knee’s length at the Omahenene Irrigation Scheme, New Era reported on September, 9.

Gideon Shilongo, the Namibia Breweries Limited corporate affairs manager visited the site with Prince Shiimi, the director of Epia Investment, the black economic empowerment shareholder in Namibia Breweries Limited.

The two said “things are looking good” and are impressed with the first results of trials.

Namibia Breweries Limited, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, the University of Namibia and expert growers of barley from Europe are conducting trials at various irrigation sites in Caprivi, Rundu, Ruacana, Mariental and Tsumeb. They planted a variety of barley seedlings to test the variety’s adaptation to Namibia’s climate and soil conditions.

Namibia Breweries Limited is keen to establish whether barley could be grown in Namibia as developments in the malting technology evolve and new barley varieties spring up.

The overall aim is to produce a variety that is suitable to the country’s climatic conditions and with properties meeting the strict brewing standards.

The other phase of the trials is to determine the best malting option for the successful cultivar.

“I was not only pleased with the growth of the barley but also with the excitement and pride of the people at the site. It is a pleasure to see how happy they are with what they are doing and have achieved so far. They are as excited about the growth as we are and looking forward to seeing what the next summer months will bring, when temperatures rise much higher,” said Shilongo.

“Everyone is giving it their best and pulling together to ensure that the first results will be as favourable as possible,” said Shiimi. Omahenene was the site at which the first seeds were planted in June 2011.

Once the barley is harvested it will be assessed on which variety grows best, under what conditions and in which area.

09 September, 2011