There are currently only three agronomic crops that are gazetted as controlled, namely; white maize, pearl millet and wheat. These crops are also considered to be staple food of Namibia.

The agronomic industry in Namibia is faced with many challenges such as drought, high input cost, pest and diseases, although the number one challenge is recurrent drought. At the same time, Namibia remains a net importer of the three agronomic crops, even though the famers have got a secured market through the grain marketing mechanisms, whereby import restriction or close border periods are implemented during times of sufficient local production.  Production of agronomic crops mainly white maize and pearl millet takes place in both the commercial and communal areas, under irrigation and rainfed and marketed to millers. However, pearl millet is predominately produced in communal areas under rainfed production. Wheat production takes place under irrigation in the commercial areas and government projects situated in the communal areas. There are currently no exports of agronomic products due to limited production.

Agronomy Services

The NAB provides services that are aimed at developing the agronomy industry in Namibia such as:

• Issuance of import, export and in-transit permits,
• Provision of advisory information services
• Implementation of the grains marketing mechanisms and set the minimum floor price in line with the marketing agreements for white maize, wheat, and pearl millet (mahangu)
• Provision of grain trade statistics reports
• Registration of Agronomy producers and processors
• Provision of grain production forecast reports
• Maintain the Agriculture Marketing Information Development (AMID) database
• The Agronomy Recognition scheme